Street Champion FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Street Champion scheme.

Why should I become a Street Champion?

By reporting problems, you will help the relevant organisations sort out problems quickly, effectively and play a part in improving your local neighbourhood.

You become a network of champions and are able to share experience and support each other.

You will also help to build stronger relationships with the Neighbourhood Beat Teams, or Housing Officers, to help residents and agencies understand the local issues.

What does being a Street Champion involve?

By becoming a Street Champion, you will be asked to conduct regular inspections of your chosen area, act as the link between residents and all appropriate agencies, monitor the neighbourhood for problems and alert agencies early for a quicker resolution and to look out for the elderly and vulnerable.

How many hours a week should I spend on Street Champions?

You can spend as much or as a little time as you want on the scheme. All we ask is that you frequently monitor your area for issues and report them to the relevant agencies when necessary.

What is the difference between Street Champions and Neighbourhood Watch?

The Street Champion scheme is a partnership between the communities and supporting agencies, including the local Council, Housing Associations, Fire Service and Police.

There is an escalation route if you are unable to resolve an issue effectively via the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) process.

As a Street Champion you are provided with a pack which gives you local contact details on issues such as anti-social behaviour, waste and recycling.  The Housing Associations also provide maps of their areas, so that you are aware who is responsible for them.

It is possible to be both a Street Champion and Neighbourhood Watch member as the schemes are complimentary.

Which agencies support the Street Champion scheme?

The Street Champion scheme is a partnership between, the community Devon & Cornwall Watch Association (DaCCWA), Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, local Councils, local Housing Associations, Neighbourhood Watch and Safer North Devon.

Does it cost anything to be a Street Champion?

No.  The Street Champion scheme is free to join, and you receive a free information pack that contains everything you need to report an issue/problem relating to environmental, waste and recycling and crime prevention issues.

Do I get preferential treatment by becoming a Street Champion?

No, all residents have fair and equal access to the services.  However Street Champions are given the tools and knowledge to be able to report issues within their neighbourhoods.

I have a suggestion on how to improve the Street Champion scheme?

If you have a suggestion on how to improve the Street Champion scheme, then please contact your local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), your local Housing Officer or the Street Champion administrator, who will pass your comments on to the Street Champion Steering Group.

I would like more information about the Street Champion scheme, who do I contact?

Contact your local Police Community Support Officer, your local Housing Officer, or the Street Champion administrator.

Alternatively you can visit www.safernorthdevon.co.uk

Can I find out who the Street Champions are in my street?

We are happy to provide details of other Street Champions in your street if they have previously confirmed that they are happy for their details to be shared. 

How do I sign up to be a Street Champion?

If you are interested in being a Street Champion then you need to contact your local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), Housing Officers or Street Champion administrator.

My neighbour is a Street Champion, can I also sign up or is there a limit of one Street Champion per street?

There is no reason why you couldn’t have more than one Street Champion in the same street, and look after different areas.  Each street will be different and may require more than one champion. However, we would not seek to have a Street Champion in every house.

Are my personal details stored on a database?

Yes, we hold your contact details on a database. 
Regarding data protection, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary is the Data Controller.

This information is being collected for the purpose of distributing information to all Street Champions regarding the Street Champion scheme only.  We may from time to time ask if you would be willing to have your information available to third parties, if it was relevant to the Street Champion scheme or your area, but we would always get agreement from you before any information was given out.

When you complete the Street Champion Registration form you are providing your consent for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to hold and use your personal information for this purpose.

The information you provide may be disclosed to the Street Champion Steering Group.

Why do you require my details?

This is so that we are able to phone, email or post out any information to you relating to the scheme.  The scheme covers the whole of North Devon and Torridge, so we need to be able to get information out to the Street Champions as quickly and as easily as possible.

Are there any conditions/code of conduct, which I have to adhere to as a Street Champion?

  1. Be sensitive to issues of confidentiality that may be brought to you by your neighbours.
  2. To be respectful to other Street Champions suggestions of developing the scheme further.
  3. To be as objective as possible when considering issues raised.
  4. To behave in a mature and reasonable manner.

 

What makes a good Street Champion?

There is no one profile that fits.  Old or young, local or new resident; as long as you have an interest in your street and want to keep it a safe and clean place, then you’ll make a great Street Champion.