Community Safety Officer

Community Safety Officer

Sunderland Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with communities to enhance safety and tackle anti-social behaviour.
  • Company: Join Sunderland City Council's new Community Safety Team for impactful community work.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in enforcement or public protection; strong interpersonal skills required.
  • Other info: DBS check needed; flexible benefits scheme available.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Join Our New Community Safety Team

Are you passionate about making a real difference in communities? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different, and where your actions help people feel safe, supported, and proud of where they live?

Sunderland City Council is launching a new Community Safety Team as part of our bold vision for safer, stronger, and more resilient neighbourhoods. We are looking for a motivated and community-focused individual to join us as a Community Safety Officer, helping to deliver visible, impactful services that tackle anti-social behaviour, environmental crime, and public safety issues across the city.

About the Role
As a Community Safety Officer, you’ll work at the heart of Sunderland’s neighbourhoods to support our vision for safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. This is a highly visible and rewarding role that blends proactive engagement with robust enforcement, making a real difference to the quality of life for our residents.

In this role, you will:

  • Conduct targeted, high-visibility patrols to deter and respond to issues affecting community safety
  • Investigate complaints relating to anti-social behaviour, environmental crime, and public protection, gathering and securing evidence in line with legal requirements
  • Use a wide range of enforcement tools, including the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), Community Protection Notices (CPNs), and other formal actions to address persistent issues
  • Work closely with partner agencies such as Northumbria Police, alongside residents, elected members, and local businesses, to address complex and persistent community concerns
  • Deliver education and prevention initiatives aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and promoting responsible behaviours
  • Support community resilience by encouraging local involvement, improving public confidence, and contributing to long-term problem-solving efforts

This role combines frontline presence with professional casework, requiring excellent judgment, confidence, and a firm yet fair approach to enforcement and public engagement.

What We’re Looking For
Confident, community-minded individuals with:

  • Experience in enforcement, compliance, or public protection (or a related field)
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, including anti-social behaviour legislation, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
  • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
  • The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
  • A full UK driving licence (if applicable)
  • A Level 4 qualification in a related field is desirable, where equivalent relevant experience will also be considered

Please note that a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required prior to appointment.

Why work for Sunderland City Council?

  • Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering secure and flexible retirement benefits
  • You’ll receive 26 days annual leave (31 after 5 years’ continuous service), plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave through the Council’s flexible benefits scheme
  • Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment where your contribution makes a difference

For an informal discussion please contact Michelle Coates, Neighbourhood Enforcement Manager at:michelle.coates@sunderland.gov.uk

Applications must be completed on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. If you need any support, contact:jobs@sunderland.gov.uk

Please note that CVs are not acceptable.

All communication about your application for this post will be to the email address that you register with North East Jobs. This may include details of an online assessment you may need to complete and an invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other method. Please remember to check your junk mail items. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Community Safety Officer employer: Sunderland City Council

Sunderland City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where community-focused individuals can thrive. As a Community Safety Officer, you will enjoy generous benefits such as a secure pension scheme, ample annual leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while making a tangible impact on the safety and well-being of Sunderland's neighbourhoods.
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Contact Detail:

Sunderland City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Community Safety Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the key legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and anti-social behaviour laws. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment and preparedness during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with local community groups or forums related to safety and public protection. This will give you insights into current issues and concerns within Sunderland, allowing you to speak knowledgeably about community needs during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider volunteering or shadowing professionals in similar roles, such as community safety officers or enforcement officers. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and enhance your understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities involved.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising conflict resolution techniques and discussing how you would handle challenging situations. Being able to articulate your approach to maintaining calm and professionalism will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Community Safety Officer

Knowledge of Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation
Understanding of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
Familiarity with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
Experience in Enforcement and Compliance
Strong Interpersonal Skills
Conflict Resolution Skills
Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure
Community Engagement Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Report Writing and Evidence Gathering
Collaboration with Partner Agencies
Public Safety Awareness
Proactive Patrol Techniques
Driving Licence (if applicable)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Community Safety Officer. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in enforcement, compliance, or public protection. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of relevant legislation and your ability to handle challenging situations effectively.

Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion for community safety and your commitment to making a difference. Make sure to convey your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.

Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the application online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil as specified. Remember, CVs are not accepted, so focus on providing all required information in the application form.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council

✨Know Your Legislation

Familiarise yourself with key legislation relevant to the role, such as anti-social behaviour laws and the Environmental Protection Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your understanding of the legal framework you'll be working within.

✨Demonstrate Community Engagement Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with communities in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and any experience you have in conflict resolution, as these are crucial for a Community Safety Officer.

✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities

Think of specific instances where you've tackled community issues or improved safety. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you can contribute to long-term solutions in Sunderland's neighbourhoods.

✨Exhibit Professionalism Under Pressure

Expect questions that assess your ability to remain calm in challenging situations. Prepare to share experiences where you've maintained professionalism while dealing with difficult individuals or scenarios.

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