Are you able to help your community?

OIC launches school crossing patrol officer recruitment drive

A recruitment drive has been launched to fill several school crossing patrol officer staff vacancies in Orkney.

They provide a valuable service to our community – keeping our children safe when crossing the road.

Despite repeated rounds of advertising, Orkney Islands Council, which employs the lollipop men and women, has found it increasingly difficult to fill the posts.

The Council is appealing for your help to fill vacancies in Finstown and Kirkwall and keep our young people safe while going to and from school.

Orkney’s Executive Director of Education, Leisure and Housing, James Wylie, said: “The significance of the role should not be underestimated. We rely on our school crossing patrol officers to ensure that hundreds of children cross the road safely to and from school every weekday.

“But we have found it very difficult to fill some of the posts. We are asking for the community to help. If you have some spare time in the mornings and afternoons and enjoy meeting people of all ages, then this could be the job for you.”

Chair of Orkney’s Road Safety Forum, Councillor Andrew Drever, said: “This has been a problem for many years across the country, not just in Orkney and, now, as the nights draw in again, it is never more important for everyone to take extra care on our roads. Our lollipop men and women have a vital role to play in this and we would appeal for your help to fill these vacant posts.

“Historically, it can be very difficult to keep all the crossings manned when folk retire, folk such as Joan Brammah. This is a role that Joan carried out for some 24 years in Kirkwall and one which she loved – borne out by the length of time she remained in the post. Joan speaks to the enjoyment she got from chatting with the bairns and their parents every day; the friendships she made and how she enjoyed watching families grow.

“If you enjoy getting out and about, meeting folk, don’t mind the Orkney weather, and think you could be able to help keep Orkney’s children safe, then please get in touch with the Council for information on how to apply.”

Relief members of staff are also required therefore please get in touch if you are only available on certain days or times and would like to help. Training and uniforms are supplied.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact: Steven Burnett by telephone (01856 873535) or email (education.leisure@orkney.gov.uk)