Senior Clerks 1822-70

Senior Clerks 1822-70

Although the term 'Senior Clerk' had been used since 1782 to describe the two or three most senior Clerks on the establishment, it was not until 1822 that it was applied to a distinct grade. (fn. 1) In that year provision was made for four Senior, or First Class, Clerks. (fn. 2) In 1841 the number was increased to six, two of whom were to serve as Superintendents of the Consular and Slave Trade Departments, and four of whom were to assist the Under Secretaries in superintending the four Political Departments of the office. (fn. 3) Following the creation of additional Political Departments, the number was increased to seven in 1854 and to eight in 1857. (fn. 4) In 1866 when the Commercial Department (formed in 1865 at the expense of a Political Department) was amalgamated with the Consular Department, the number was reduced to seven. (fn. 5) From 1855 new entrants to the grade were required to serve a period of one year's probation. (fn. 6)

In 1822 the first of the Senior Clerks was awarded a salary of £700 rising by annual increments of £20 to £900 while the remainder were granted salaries of £600 rising by annual increments of £20 to £800. (fn. 7) In 1841 a scale of £600 rising by annual increments of £25 to £1,000 was provided for the whole grade. All the Senior Clerks in office following the reorganisation of 1841 held annual allowances of varying amounts granted to them before 1841 for the performance of specific duties. They were allowed to retain what they then held. But those holding allowances greater than £200 were not allowed to draw salaries as Senior Clerks greater than £800; while those holding allowances of less than £200 were allowed to advance beyond £800 until such time as their salaries and allowances amounted in total to £1,000. (fn. 8) The minimum salary attached to the grade was increased to £700 in 1854. (fn. 9)