The Town Council employs a dedicated staff team consisting of 1 full-time and 10 part-time members to carry out its duties. Although the council employs 11 members of staff, this equates to 7.6 FTE (full time equivalent).
The team is small, and is involved in all aspects of managing the council’s assets, upholding it’s legal responsibilities, and supporting the council’s decision making processes.
All can be contacted at the Town Hall, High Street, Biddulph ST8 6AR.
Email: office@biddulph-tc.gov.uk
Tel: 01782 498480
Sarah Haydon – Chief Officer (and Proper Officer)
Sarah is employed full time and is responsible for overseeing all council matters, developing strategy, good governance and overall management of the council’s staff. The role involves advising the council, ensuring the implementation of its decisions, overseeing day-to-day operations and working with partner organisations.
Sarah is CILCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) qualified, a Fellow of the Society of Local Council Clerks and a member of the Institute of Place Management and the Chartered Institute of Housing.
She is also the Council’s Responsible Finance Officer – holding statutory responsibilities for all legal, financial, and administrative affairs, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and governance standards.
Sarah chairs the Staffordshire Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) branch and mentors fellow clerks, fostering professional networks and sector growth.
She also serves as a Director (and Vice Chair) of the Children First Learning Partnership, supporting education across local schools.
Jodie Hancock – Events & Partnerships Officer
Jodie is responsible for organising a range of activities and events to promote Biddulph and engage with the community, such as the annual Classic Vehicle Show, Dementia Friendly Cinema, Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’, etc. She organises civic events such as Remembrance services and Mayor making. Jodie works to improve the town’s offer and promote its services and facilities to increase footfall and encourage tourism.
Jodie also supports the Chief Officer in managing the council’s communications, including social media.
Elizabeth Norton – Finance Officer
Lizzie undertakes financial administration, maintaining the council’s accounts; responsible for payments, bank reconciliation and invoicing, providing regular financial management information to the Chief Officer and Town Council in accordance with the council’s ‘Financial Regulations’.
She is also responsible for administrating the council’s grant schemes and updating and monitoring the council’s asset register.
Angela Williams – Administration Officer
Ange is responsible for burial and allotment administration, attending burials and updating burial records, inspecting the burial ground and allotment sites. She assists with office duties and provides support across council services, compiling and recording planning applications and assisting with the preparation of agendas and minutes for council committee meetings.
Margaret Warman – Compliance and Governance Officer
Margaret reviews a range of compliance and regulatory issues to provide assurance processes are followed in accordance with legislative requirements and documented policies and procedures, and to test controls operate effectively to ensure the Town Council responds appropriately.
Margaret supports the Chief Officer in ensuring health and safety compliance and risk management across council run assets. She also reviews and updates the council’s website.
Susan Booth – Customer Support Assistant
Susan is part of the reception team welcoming visitors to the Town Hall across the full range of council activity, she maintains regular interaction with council staff, councillors and the public. Susan also organises the Mayor’s diary and supports a range of ad-hoc projects.
Kelsey Williamson – Customer Support Apprentice
Kelsey is part of the reception team welcoming visitors to the Town Hall across the full range of council activity and also supports a range of ad-hoc projects. She is learning and developing her knowledge and skills; completing tests and assignments demonstrating her understanding, supported by an external training provider.
Mark Edwards – Senior Caretaker
Mark is responsible for ensuring the Town Hall, Visitor Centre and ‘Bus Hub’ are maintained and run to a high standard, undertaking routine cleaning, setting up rooms for hire and completing maintenance and compliance duties, such as alarm and equipment checking, to ensure our buildings are safe and well looked after.
Matthew Hall – Caretaker
Matthew ensures Town Council buildings are safe, maintained and run efficiently, undertaking routine cleaning and setting up rooms for hire, and completing maintenance and compliance duties, such as alarm and equipment checking, to ensure our buildings are safe and well looked after.
David Mellor – Caretaker
David ensures Town Council buildings are safe, maintained and run efficiently, undertaking routine cleaning and setting up rooms for hire, etc. David supports evening room bookings to ensure safe and effective management of events.
Ken Chaddock – Caretaker
Ken ensures Town Council buildings are safe, maintained and run efficiently, undertaking routine cleaning and setting up rooms for hire, etc. Ken supports evening room bookings to ensure safe and effective management of events.