What's an antisocial behaviour coordinator?
It's a two-year position in which I'll help develop the antisocial behaviour strategy for Newcastle's local strategic partnership. All councils have to produce an antisocial behaviour strategy by April next year and my job is to write it, consult on it and put a final version up for the partnership.
What does that mean in practice?
It's talking to all the different partners – the police, the primary care trust, the housing providers, the voluntary and community sector and fire and rescue – and linking up all their concerns to find a common cause.
The different agencies all have their own perceptions of what antisocial behaviour is and how to deal with it. We have to try to see the whole picture – a one-sided strategy might deliver quick wins but it won't be sustainable.
What was your last job?
I worked for three years for offenders' charity NACRO – the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders – delivering and managing contracts around a variety of social policy issues. I talked to community safety partners across the whole of the north of England.
So why leave?
After three years, I was missing being able to stay in one place and make a difference.
I wanted to use all the skills I'd learned and put them into effect in one place.
How do you like the new job so far?
Well, I've been here eight days – and I'm planning to come back in again on Monday, so it can't be that bad! It's really showed me how incredibly complex the determining factors for antisocial behaviour are, and how much great stuff is going on to deal with it.
The challenge is now to start linking that stuff together into a single strategy, it's a great opportunity.
And in five years' time?
I'll still be working in the North-east – I just want to ensure I'm in a position to make a difference in social reform.
Source
Housing Today
No comments yet