Neighbourhood warden

You could search Do-it for volunteering opportunities where you could develop the skills needed to get a job as a neighbourhood warden.

Opportunities may be offered by your local council or other organisations working with people with issues like homelessness, substance misuse, or anti-social behaviour.

You may not need any qualifications to become a neighbourhood warden, although some employers may prefer you to have a good general standard of education with GCSEs in English and maths, and experience of working with the public.

Employers will often focus on your personal qualities and people skills. It may be an advantage to have a clear understanding of the issues faced by the community you will be working in.

You'll usually have induction training, lasting around 12 weeks, while you get to know your area and the issues you might face.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a neighbourhood warden from your local council.

You'll need:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Some employers will ask for you to have a driving licence and be aged 21 or over so that you can drive a company vehicle. Other employers would only ask that you're able to ride a bicycle supplied by them.

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• responding to anti-social behaviour incidents
• reporting crime to the police
• telling the council and other authorities about environmental problems
• issuing fixed penalty notices for litter, graffiti and dog fouling
• making sure empty properties are safe and secure
• supporting older and vulnerable people in the area
• getting involved in community activities
• visiting schools and attending community and resident meetings
• sharing information with other agencies like the police, community groups, social landlords and tenants’ associations

You could work in the community.

You may need to wear a uniform.