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.

Estimated salary range

Variable: from £16,410 to £17,998 (London) due to possible differences in job description as given above.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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.

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