Just the Job

Philippa Isbell is the antisocial behaviour co-ordinator for South Gloucestershire Council.

What is the purpose of your job?

To liaise with the police and local authority to tackle antisocial behaviour. I look at hotspot areas and make decisions on how to deal with problems. I don’t investigate – I co-ordinate those who investigate the problems. I see my job as making a difference to people in the community.

What is an average day like?

I receive complaints from the public over the phone that are to do with antisocial behaviour. The main complaints are from people who are not happy with the response they have received from the police or other agencies such as housing or environmental services. Or they may feel that they haven’t got the response they wanted regarding the antisocial behaviour. My job is to go out to the relevant organisation and discuss what they have done or should be doing.

I also attend community safety groups made up of residents, local councillors and the police. These cover community issues such as gatherings of young people and alcohol-related incidents. We discuss ways for the police and local authority to tackle these problems.

Who are the main people you work with?

The police and local authority agencies. Also local councillors and the public through meetings.

What is the best part of the job?

The variety of work. Because my job is split between working with the police and the local authority there’s not just one establishment and perspective.

What is the worst part of the job?

The amount of work there is.

What is your working background?

Four years in environmental health and four years in housing.

Do you have any specific qualifications?

A BTEC in business studies that is irrelevant. What you need are good people skills and good experience of life. But I have done several short courses including one on young people and drugs.

What is your salary?

Co-ordinators are paid between £20k and £25k.