Meet The Team
Sharon Smith - Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
Sharon lives locally in Middleton and brings many years’ experience working with parish councils. Prior to joining local government, she worked in the finance sector as a Compliance and Risk Officer, both onshore and offshore. Sharon holds a BA (Hons) in Commerce, is a Chartered Company Secretary, and is currently studying for an MA in Public Leadership.
Sharon is a qualified Clerk and an Internal Auditor for the Suffolk Association of Local Councils. She joined the Town Council in 2022 and is responsible for corporate governance and finance, and provides strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of the Council’s vision, strategy and policies..
She is Clerk to the Town Council, the Resources Committee, the Staffing Committee, the Market Hall Redevelopment Group and the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.
Lisa Hamon - Deputy Town Clerk
Lisa joined the Town Council in 2024 and lives locally in Framlingham. She holds a BA (Hons) in Languages and International Business and has worked in a range of private-sector commercial roles. She later established her own business, supporting organisations in both the private and public sectors with business development, finance and operations. Lisa is currently studying for the Certificate in Local Council Administration and aims to qualify as a Clerk in July 2025.
In her role with the Council, Lisa leads on operational matters with responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of services in accordance with the Council’s policies and strategic direction.
She is Clerk to the Market Hall Trust and the Gannon Institute Trust, the Amenities and Services Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.
Jess Palmer - Community Officer
Jess is a Saxmundham resident and joined the Town Council in 2022. After working as a lead English teacher, she moved into copywriting and now runs her own communications business alongside her role at the Council.
Jess leads on civic engagement for the Town Council and is responsible for community matters, communications and events. This includes managing our websites and social media channels to keep residents, businesses and visitors informed.
Her focus is to promote Saxmundham as a great place to live, work and visit, while maintaining effective communication between the Council and the local community.
Jess is Clerk to the Civic and Communications Committee.
Robert Ross -
Maintenance Officer
Amy Rayner - Environment Officer
Amy is a Saxmundham resident and joined the Town Council in 2021. She brings a wealth of horticultural expertise, having previously worked at RHS Wisley, and has a strong passion for improving environmental sustainability and biodiversity. Amy advises the Council on enhancing land management and environmental practices across the town. She coordinates the Saxmundham Green Team, which carries out conservation and gardening projects throughout the town.
Amy co-authored the Town Council’s Empowering Nature – Protecting Saxmundham initiative, which played a key role in the Town Council being awarded Suffolk Council of the Year 2025.
Robert is a Saxmundham resident and joined the Town Council in 2024. He has experience in property maintenance and general grounds work.
Robert is responsible for maintaining the Council’s buildings, including the Gannon Institute, Market Hall and Town House, as well as the upkeep of the Council’s open spaces and play areas. He is a qualified RPII playground inspector, supports the Deputy Town Clerk with operational matters, and assists the Council in meeting its health and safety responsibilities.
Email: maintenance@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk
Michelle Allen - Administration Officer
Michelle is a Saxmundham resident and joined the Town Council in 2023. She has a background in science, finance and the charity sector, and spent much of her career working in educational settings as a Science Technician. Michelle also served as Treasurer of a local charity for 12 years.
In her role for the Town Council, Michelle provides administrative support to the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk and Community Officer, and manages bookings for the Market Hall.
