Neighbourhood Warden
What is the work like?
Neighbourhood wardens aim to improve people’s quality of life by reducing fear of crime and tackling anti-social behaviour. They never become involved in situations where physical force is required, but they provide a uniformed presence in an area to make residents feel safer.
As a neighbourhood warden, your duties could vary according to where you work. Typical tasks include:
- patrolling an area and encouraging positive community relations
- responding to incidents of anti-social behaviour
- reporting crime to the police
- alerting the council and other relevant authorities about environmental problems
- issuing fixed penalty notices for litter, graffiti and dog fouling
- checking to make sure empty properties are safe and secure
- supporting older and vulnerable people in the area
- getting involved in community activities and working with young people
- sharing information with other agencies including the police, community groups, tenants’ associations and schools.
In some regions you may also be known as a street warden, community warden or community safety warden.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will not need any specific qualifications to become a neighbourhood warden, although you will need good reading and writing skills for keeping records. A driving licence would be useful, and is sometimes essential.
Employers will usually focus on your personal qualities and ‘people skills’, and it may be an advantage to have experience of working with the public. You will also need to show a clear understanding of the issues faced by the community you would be working with.
What further training and development can I do?
You will have a period of induction training usually lasting around four weeks, followed by a probationary period working alongside experienced wardens.
During your training you may be encouraged to work towards NVQ Level 2 for Community Wardens, which may help you progress in your career.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries for neighbourhood wardens can range from around £15,000 to £19,000 a year.
- At supervisory level, this can rise to between £20,000 and £30,000 a year.
There may be extra payments for shift, weekend and bank holiday working.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 35 hours a week, which would usually include evenings, weekends and public holidays. Part-time hours are often available.
You would spend most of your time outdoors. You may also attend local meetings and give talks in schools or community centres.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a sense of fairness and justice
- the desire to improve the quality of life in your area
- the ability to get on with people of all ages and backgrounds
- an open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
- good listening and communication skills
- a reasonable level of physical fitness
- tact and diplomacy
- a confident and assertive manner
- the ability to use your initiative but also work well in a team.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work with local authorities, housing associations, town centre management companies or community safety partnerships.
With experience, you could progress to a supervisory post such as assistant head warden and head warden.
Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, Jobcentre Plus, local authority jobs bulletins and on websites, such as LGJobs.
Contact an adviser
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or phone: 0800 100 900
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