A day in a life of a Neighbourhood Officer – join me on my next walkabout!
By Helen, Neighbourhood Officer at Staffs Housing
There’s something really valuable about being out and about in the heart of our neighbourhoods – not just sitting behind a desk but talking face-to-face with our customers.
That’s exactly what our Scheme Walkabouts are all about – getting into our schemes, checking on the little (and sometimes big) things and make a difference, and giving customers a chance to chat, raise concerns and share ideas.
Since launching the Scheme Walkabouts in November last year, we’ve seen how important it is to be visible and approachable. Not only does it give residents the chance to meet their Neighbourhood Officer, but it also helps us tackle issues like anti-social behaviour, crime, and disrepair – simply be being present in the community.
This month, our Team completed 17 visits across our schemes and communities in Biddulph, Hanley, Sneyd Green, Basford, and Longton. I visited four of those communities, and I wanted to share some of what we found, fixed, and planned for the future. Hopefully, it gives you a flavour of what happens on a walkabout – and maybe encourages you to come along next time!
Shakespeare Court – Biddulph 
I had a lovely catch-up with a tenant who raised concerns about the gravel outside her bungalow. After a good chat, we agreed it’ll be replaced with blue slate — matching the rest of the bungalows — within the next two weeks. She was really happy with the plan. We also arranged for a damaged fence panel to be replaced at the rear, and items in one of the back gardens of the scheme will be removed too.
Wickenstones Court – Biddulph 
It was brilliant speaking to a couple of residents here — these chats are what the walkabouts are all about! One tenant mentioned the porch entrances needed painting – so I go our maintenance team on the case.
Another mentioned the scheme sign isn’t visible from the road, which makes it hard for visitors to find. We’ve arranged to move the sign so it’s much easier to spot.
Off the back of feedback, our Estates Team is also heading down for a general tidy-up — mowing, leaf blowing, and weeding — starting 2 April.
St John’s Court – Biddulph 
A really productive visit with plenty of great conversations — and some key jobs raised to improve the scheme. This included the replacement of grab rails, weed treatment, lots of general painting jobs, and I also provided some advice around bin replacement – which the council will be more than happy to help with.
Victoria Court – Biddulph 
We rounded off the visits with a good session at Victoria Court, tackling a few outdoor improvements which resulted in the bushes in the car park being removed and replaced with slate. Moss cleared from pathways, the bin store swept, and garden items removed too. We also spotted some cyclical repairs needed for the windows and roof too, with a replacement and inspection arranged to address both.
I love doing these walkabouts – not only do they give me a real sense of what’s happening in your neighbourhoods, but they’re also a great way for you to raise any issues, suggest improvements, or just stop me for a chat.
If you’ve never been along to one, I’d really encourage you to join us next time. It’s informal, relaced, and your input genuinely helps us shape better services and tackle problems before they grow.
Find out when we’re visiting a scheme near you, by clicking here.
See you out there!
Helen
