Introduction
Not to be confused with traffic warden, this post is a sort of
mobile neighbourhood watch. Indeed, in some authorities it is
called neighbourhood warden. The job of the street warden is
to help reduce the fear of crime and improve the quality of life
for residents, businesses and visitors to the local area.
This is a new post and will not be found in all councils.
Where it does exist it is located in any type of authority except
for county councils.
Work Environment
This is, invariably, outdoors in the streets and roads in the
area. There will be a lot of walking in all sorts of
weather. The hours are 35 per week and involve shifts and
anti-social hours. Shorter working hours or job share may be
agreed. Part-time workers are usually welcomed, especially
for evening work, and may suit people who have daytime
responsibilities and would like paid evening work. Some
councils are very positive about recruiting women as they are
under-represented in this area of work.
Daily Activities
The aim of the street warden scheme is to create a better
environment by removing some of the aggravation we have to put up
with. By helping to build partnerships to reduce the fear of
crime and anti-social behaviour, the community can become a safer
and more pleasant place to live in. If you are being hassled
by gangs in the streets or old refrigerators are being dumped in
your back garden, then the street warden may be the first person to
turn to. A neighbourhood protection plan will include:
- supporting the business and residential communities;
- building community self-confidence;
- helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime;
- sharing information on wrong-doers with the police and the
council;
- promoting good community relations - with each other and with
your friendly local council.
All this will require a good deal of flexibility in the way you
work and when. To meet the objectives, the warden's duties will
involve:
- patrolling the area (mostly during afternoons, late evenings
and weekends);
- supporting vulnerable residents (the old gentleman next door,
the disabled woman across the road, the refugees from Kosovo
etc);
- getting involved in community activities;
- reporting crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues
to the police, the council and other relevant authorities;
- keeping an eye on empty properties;
- supporting other agencies such as the police, traffic wardens,
neighbourhood watch, social services, age concern, the church,
youth clubs etc;
- working with young people;
- watching for bullying - in any setting.
Skills & Interests
To do this job well you would need these qualities:
- commitment to civic responsibility and desire to improve the
quality of life;
- caring nature;
- ability to get on with people from a variety of
backgrounds;
- diplomatic touch - you are not entitled to employ strong-arm
tactics;
- sense of justice;
- reasonable standard of fitness.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal requirements, but you would receive training
and development leading to a recognised qualification. You
would be expected to have most of the attributes listed above.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
You would be able to aspire to Assistant Head Street Warden, which
includes some supervisory ability, and there are usually two or
three posts available at this level within an authority.
Beyond that there is the Head Street Warden post.
Further Information & Services
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health www.iosh.co.uk
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health www.nebosh.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.