Mercia managers mark SCP anniversary

During the SCP’s Golden Jubilee Year service managers in the Mercia region have produced additional resources and co-ordinated a campaign to try to boost recruitment - perhaps the toughest challenge managers have to face. Vacancy levels in some authorities are running at 25 per cent.

In spring 2003 a colourful leaflet giving a short history of the service was distributed to all patrols. The leaflet also had a reply section that patrols were asked to fill in, including completing the phrase ‘I love being a School Crossing Patrol because…’.

Patrols were also asked to describe any funny or embarrassing experiences they have had while doing the job. Job satisfaction was summed up by Mrs Davis from Birmingham, who replied; ‘I like working outdoors, seeing different things happen, meeting many people, seeing the children safely across the road, hearing some of the things they say.’

Many interesting and amusing replies were received. Mrs Lugg, from Hereford, has had her ‘lollipop’ signed by a well-known professional footballer, while Mrs Griffiths, from Tipton - who has been a patrol since 1973 - recalls receiving half a crown per week when she first started for uniform washing and travel expenses!

Some of the responses were included in a magazine - distributed at the beginning of the new school year - which incorporated news, views and articles from many members of the Group.

Bus back advertising commenced in mid-September with 82 buses around the region displaying a ‘Give Us a Brake!’ poster. The Group is also producing postcards that can be customised for each authority and used in areas where recruiting is particularly difficult.

Service managers from the 14 local authorities in the Mercia region meet together on average three times each year to share experiences and compare practices via a regional questionnaire. In total, these service managers are responsible for almost 2000 patrol sites.

Staffordshire County Council’s Les Morris has just taken over as chair of the group from Gill Amis, Walsall Metropolitan Borough.

For further details of the Group’s activities and/or the campaign contact Les Morris, Staffordshire County Council, 01785 278853, les.morris@staffordshire.gov.uk or Gill Amis, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, 01922 652517, amisg@walsall.gov.uk.