Wardens ...

Check the following courses, designed to support warden schemes and individual wardens.

Accredited Core Skills

A Level 2 Certificate which gives street-based patrolling staff the theory, knowledge and practical skills to enable them to perform their role...more

Volunteers are members of staff and should have access to the same induction, training, professional development and support, Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks, Health and Safety Risk assessments as salaried wardens.

A contract should be drawn up between the warden service and the volunteer spelling out the benefits for the volunteer: training, professional development, guaranteed job interview for a salaried post with the service if vacancies arise if the volunteer is interested in paid work etc. The contract should also outline the commitment from the volunteer e.g. minimum of 6 hours work, participation in training and development, responsibility for health and safety, adherence to warden service policies like equal opportunities. Local CVS Volunteer bureaux can provide sample contracts and also advise on sources of funding for introducing volunteer opportunities.

Volunteers should be provided with the same uniform and equipment as salaried wardens. They should receive expenses. Schemes should follow the guidance about recruitment, training and support that is contained in the Managers’ Guide. This is available from the LTRC free of charge.

Volunteers should where possible work alongside salaried wardens who can act as a mentor or buddy.

Working with volunteers is not cost neutral. Volunteers’ training, support, equipment, uniform, management time all costs money and should be factored into the scheme budget and plan. Often the drop out rate for volunteers can be quite high. They can however, provide added value to a warden service.