2025 Staffing Structure
Town Clerk & Chief Executive Officer
Mrs Sharon Groth
The Chief Executive of the Town Council, is the council’s most senior officer and responsible for the council’s staff, working closely with the council leader and responsible for advising the council on strategy, policy and making recommendations to the council. The Chief Executive is the designated Head of Paid Service under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Proper Officer under the Local Government Act 1972.
PA to the Town Clerk and Mayor’s Diary Secretary
Ms Loraine Harwood
Personal Assistant / Secretary to the Town Clerk and also undertakes a secretarial role, providing support for the Mayor as required in undertaking their civic duties.
loraine.harwood@witney-tc.gov.uk
Deputy Town Clerk
Mr Adam Clapton
Responsible for the day-to-day management of the administrative functions of the Town Council to; implement decisions made through its democratic processes, support and work alongside the Town Clerk in the strategic development of the Town Council and deputise as appropriate.
Head of Estates & Operations
Mr Mark Lewis
Responsible for managing the Council’s estate, buildings, and grounds maintenance services along with driving the Council’s projects programme.
Responsible Finance Officer
Mr Nigel Warner
RFO and Section 151 Officer and has responsibility for the management and proper administration of all the Council’s financial and other resourcing affairs.
Operations Manager
Mr Angus Whitburn
Manages the Council’s Maintenance Team and is responsible for repairs, maintenance and facilities and grounds maintenance supervision
angus.whitburn@witney-tc.gov.uk
Projects Officer
Mr Adam Cook
Responsible for the management, delivery and implementation of strategic Council projects.
Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer
Mr Carl Whitehead
Responsible for delivering the Council’s objectives on biodiversity, particularly at the Lake & Country Park. Also to develop the use and management plans in these areas, working alongside partners and volunteers to achieve an improvement to offset
the impacts of climate change.
carl.whitehead@witney-tc.gov.uk
Park Ranger
Mr William Lewis
Supports the Biodiversity and Green Spaces Officer in developing and maintaining the Councils Lake and Country Park alongside their other land estates.
Compliance & Environment Officer
Mrs Janine Sparrowhawk
Responsible for achieving the Council’s health & safety obligations and leading on carbon reduction across the Council’s facilities.
janine.sparrowhawk@witney-tc.gov.uk
Venue & Events Officer
Mr Thomas Davies
Manages the Council’s venues including the Corn Exchange and Burwell Hall to high standards. Oversees a broad range of events including events on Town Council land, put on by third parties and other local organisations
Venue & Events Officer
Ms Naomi Carpenter
Co-ordinates & delivers town council events at our venues, supports third-party events including festivals, public shows, private functions and weddings. Assists in the day today operation of the Corn Exchange and Burwell Hall. Creates and distributes promotional materials for public halls and events.
VenueandEvents@witney-tc.gov.uk
Café and Bar Manager
Miss Claire Hermon
Responsible for daily management of the café and bar in the Corn Exchange and Burwell Hall, delivering high customer service standards at all times.
Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Mrs Polly Inness
Manages the Website and any other communications with the Council including social media. Also responsible for managing Community Engagement events organised by the Council.
Senior Administrative Officer/Committee Clerk
Mr Derek Mackenzie
Responsible for managing the Council’s Administration Office, IT processes and software and assisting with the administration of its Committee meetings as Principle Committee Clerk of the Council.
derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk
01993 704379
Administrative Support Assistant
Halls & Green Spaces
Miss Zoe Henstridge
Responsible for general office administration of the Council’s Public Halls & Green Spaces. This includes assisting with; the running of events at the Corn Exchange and Burwell Hall, administration of the Council’s burials process and sports/recreation facilities.
01993 704379
Administrative Support Assistant
Communities and Planning
Miss Cara Murray
Responsible for general office administration arising from the Council’s Planning and Stronger Communities Committees. This includes circulating details of planning applications and, coordinating planning responses. Assisting with developing links with the local community and arranging or facilitating events within the town.
01993 704379
Administrative Support Assistant
Policy, Governance and Finance
Mrs Linda Souch
Responsible for general office administration of the Council’s Policy Governance and Finance matters, including credit control and invoicing, banking , petty cash and staff timesheets, maintaining the asset register and assisting in the preparation and monitoring of budgets.
01993 704379
Reception & Bookings Administrator
Miss Hollie Battson
Responsible for all general enquiries into the Town Hall in person, by telephone, by post or e-mail and the administration of bookings for the Council’s public halls, sports pitches and burials in the town’s cemeteries.
01993 704379
Administration Assistant – Communications & Engagement
Ms Annie Hathaway
Providing support to all departments on communications and assisting with community engagement.
