Housing Chief Becomes Warden for the Day
Sheffield Homes’ Chief Executive pulled on his work boots, picked up his notepad and wore his new staff uniform, as he became one of Sheffield Homes’ Neighbourhood Wardens for the day.
Peter Morton began his day at the Burngreave Housing Office where he meet his new team and collected his rota for his 8am-4pm shift. His first task in his new role was to help the Burngreave Community and Neighbourhood Wardens on area patrols recording and reporting incidents of graffiti, fly-tipping, litter and vandalism.
On his rounds he also meet members of the local community who stopped to have a chat or said hello as he passed, as well as local business owners and community groups.
After a busy day and an end of day team briefing, the Wardens let him go home to put his feet up so he would be rested and ready for his usual 8am start as Chief Executive the next day.
Peter Morton has led the council housing management organisation since it was formed by Sheffield City Council in 2004.
Peter Morton commented “I really enjoyed my day with the Wardens, it was a real challenge and gave me the chance to meet lots of local people. The work that wardens carry out across the city is key in helping deliver cleaner and safer communities for everyone.”
This is the fourth ‘back-to-the-floor’ training the company boss has undertaken recently. He has spent half days with Customer Service Assistants working in Hillsborough First Point, the south Call Centre and with Estate Services Officers from the South East Housing Area.
“I think it’s important that senior managers take the time out to work shadow staff from across the company. Our staff make extremely valuable contributions to achieving the aims and objectives of the organisation so that we can deliver excellent housing services to people in Sheffield.” Peter added.
The Neighbourhood Warden scheme has recently been rolled out across the city. Wardens work with local residents and other organisations to improve the quality of life for everyone in local communities. They are involved in a wide range of initiatives and projects to help deter and tackle anti-social behaviour; report many environmental issues; and help bring the community closer together by working with local schools and community groups.