Careers Profiles

Neighbourhood Warden

Wardens play an important part in a community. People gain confidence when they see a warden on patrol and their presence helps reduce antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime.

They act as eyes and ears on the street, listening to people’s problems, solving those they can and alerting appropriate agencies where necessary. They are not involved in situations where physical force is needed.

Wardens are often seen as the link between the community and the agencies that provide services. They are a walking one-stop shop giving out advice and information at street level.

A warden could be helping a rough sleeper find a hostel one minute and helping an elderly person feel safer when going to the bank the next.

The skills and experience you need

You should be physically fit, have a sense of fair play, be able to relate to people of all ages, be a good listener and communicator, and have confidence but remain open-minded and non-judgemental.

Above all, you must be able to remain calm in a crisis, have organisational skills, be able to solve problems, use initiative and work well in a team.

There are no set academic requirements for this work, but you will need literacy skills to keep records.

The minimum age is usually 18 but there is no upper age limit and maturity can often be an advantage.

Some schemes recruit wardens through the New Deal or other initiatives to help the long-term unemployed back into work. Your local job centre will have information if this applies in your area.

There are also opportunities for training. Employers can help staff work towards NVQ Level 2 for community wardens.

Likely employer types

  • Local authorities
  • Housing associations
  • Town centre management companies
  • Community safety partnerships

Salary ranges

Salaries for neighbourhood wardens can range from £14,000 to £20,000 a year. In some areas of London they can earn up to £30,000 a year.

At supervisory level wardens can earn between £20,000 and £28,000. It is possible to progress to a supervisor or assistant head warden post, and even on to head warden.

There will be usually be extra payments for shift work, weekend and bank holiday working.

More information