The office of Recording Clerk has widened considerably since it was first established in about 1657. In those early days, the role was largely concerned with the sufferings of Friends, and up to 1703 included serving the Yearly Meeting as clerk. In more recent times, oversight of the management of the departments has become an important function of the Recording Clerk.

The Recording Clerk, as secretary to Yearly Meeting, Meeting for Sufferings and Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees, is responsible for servicing these bodies, and for ensuring that their work is carried out.

As the senior member of staff employed by Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees, the Recording Clerk’s main tasks include maintaining contact with meetings throughout the yearly meeting, leading Management Meeting (8.22), being line manager of the other members of Management Meeting and certain senior staff, acting as ‘keeper and interpreter’ of the regulations laid down in our church government, and representing Britain Yearly Meeting to, and fostering good relations with, outside bodies.

The Recording Clerk is responsible for ensuring that the recording and processing of data held by the yearly meeting conforms with the law (4.45).

The Deputy Recording Clerk deputises for the Recording Clerk in any aspect of his or her work as required.