Report on Change in the Management of the Neighbourhood Officer Scheme, November 2007
From Nigov
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Relevant Background Information
Following a series of meetings between the Senior Management Teams of Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in September 2003, it was agreed that a strategic partnership be formed to address neighbourhood related issues of mutual concern across similar areas of Belfast (specifically New Targeting Social Need areas, Greencare designated areas and arterial routes).
It was decided, following Council approval, that the best way to address these issues was to create a single point of accountability for the residents in each of the defined areas, where resident queries could be pro-actively dealt with and advice provided on the best solution. As a result, the Neighbourhood Officer Service was launched, as part of the Brighter Belfast initiative, as a one year pilot scheme in June 2005. The areas designated for the pilot were Lower Ormeau, the Markets, Short Strand and also Shankill and the Lower Falls.
This project is still on-going due to a number of extensions made on an annual basis. Originally, 2 Neighbourhood Officers were employed by the Council's Cleansing Services Section and 2 by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. One member of staff has since left the Cleansing Service Section, however, coverage is still provided to all areas (Lower Ormeau, Markets and Short Strand) by the remaining 1 permanent member of staff who is employed on a full-time basis in BCC Cleansing Services. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive still employs 2 officers.
Key Issues
Since the introduction of the Neighbourhood Officers scheme, a number of other 'warden-type' services have been developed within the Council, including the introduction of the Holyland and Roaming Warden schemes. It is believed that there is potential to increase the use and integration of these services together with others such as the existing NIHE warden scheme and potentially the proposed new Police Community Liaison Officers.
As such, the community safety team is currently undertaking work, in conjunction with PSNI and NIHE, to examine the potential for improved co-ordination of these services. Within the Council, a review will also be undertaken of our own 'warden-type' services to see if there is potential for a more effective use of resources. It is anticipated that the recommendations from this work will be made by June 2008. However, it is likely to be another year before full implementation of an integrated service can be realised.
To facilitate this review and a more joined-up approach to this type of service, it is proposed that the line management of the Neighbourhood Officer, currently based in Cleansing Services, be transferred to the Community Safety Team within the Environmental Health Service, with effect from 7th January 2008. It is felt that the Neighbourhood Officer position, which has a remit covering community involvement, estate management, wenvironmental management; and community safety, would fit better within this team and the move also fits with the Council's vision for integrated service provision. In addition, the Neighbourhood Officer will be able to link into other community safety services such as Get Home Safe, the antisocial behaviour fora, and importantly forge greater links with the Holyland service.
Environmental Implications
None
Resource Implications
This post is currently funded through the Brighter Belfast Initiative and this funding of £25,000 will continue until March 2008. It is, therefore, proposed that, in line with the review of warden-type services, provision be made within the revenue estimates to support this post until March 2009. This is obviously subject to Council approval of the 2008/2009 Revenue estimates.
Recommendations and Decision
It is recommended that the line management of the one remaining Neighbourhood Officer post currently situated within the Council's Cleansing Services Section be transferred to the Community Safety Unit and that discussions on the transfer arrangements be undertaken with the postholder and his Trade Union representative.
Key to Abbreviations
NIHE - Northern Ireland Housing Executive. PSNI - Police Service of Northern Ireland.
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