COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Template – please adapt to your own convenience (not just the
highlighted bits!)
Role overview
The [area] Communications Administrator is the lead volunteer with
responsibility for the Neighbourhood Alert database and communication system
within [area]. The volunteer will be supported by [name and position of relevant
supporting Communications Administrator] and will be expected to work closely
with them.
The role of Communications Administrator may be shared between two or more
people as appropriate to [area] and the volunteer will be expected to liaise with
other volunteers doing the same or similar role in [area]. The expected time
commitment will vary with demand and can be discussed with [name of relevant
supporting Communications Administrator].
The role can be undertaken by a volunteer outside of the Neighbourhood/Home
Watch membership if agreed by the local Neighbourhood/Home Watch
Association (or similar group). Support will be agreed at a local level in line with
existing local infrastructure.
The volunteer must have regular and frequent access to broadband on a nonpublic computer (i.e. not in an internet café, library or similar).
Key responsibilities

Identify schemes within [area] that have not been mapped or which have
been mapped incorrectly and take steps to rectify these.

Encourage coordinators and members in [area] to register themselves and
their schemes.

Manage user and scheme information, including making amendments
upon request of the end user if they are unable to do so.

Assist users in navigating the user interface of Neighbourhood Alert and in
resolving any problems.

Compose and send messages to registered users within [area].

Liaise with the police and other partnering colleagues/organisations to
ensure that relevant news, events and information are communicated via
Neighbourhood Alert in a timely manner and that responses are dealt with
appropriately.

Work with other [area] Communications Administrators,
Neighbourhood/Home Watch infrastructure and partners to deliver a
coordinated approach to Neighbourhood/Home Watch communications
across [area].

Approve registered coordinators within [area].

Identify, train and support further administrators to take on an equivalent
role for smaller areas within [area]. This includes taking responsibility for
organising police checks and/or data protection training if required in
your area, with the support of [name of relevant supporting
Communications Administrator].
Skills, knowledge and experience

Experience of using computers and the internet.

Awareness of data protection issues and the willingness to undertake
training if required.

High level of attention to detail.

Good English language skills.

The ability to write professional and business-like communications and to
articulate messages clearly and concisely.

The ability to write and edit communications to comply with NHWN style,
brand and ‘tone of voice’ guidelines and give a positive and inclusive
impression of Neighbourhood/Home Watch as a movement.

The ability to communicate with internal and external audiences
(Neighbourhood/Home Watch members, other Neighbourhood/Home
Watch post-holders, colleagues in partner organisations and members of
the public).

The ability to prioritise, work under pressure and deliver to agreed
deadlines.

An understanding of [area] and its structures and challenges in relation to
Neighbourhood/Home Watch and crime prevention/reduction.

The ability to assist and support others.

The ability to help others resolve their problems relating to
Neighbourhood Alert.
Desirable

Experience of using web-based databases.

Experience of effective media relations.

Knowledge of or relationships with key partners and colleagues in [area].
Personal attributes

Willingness for a police check to be carried out if required. [Delete if not
required.]

Thoroughness and accuracy.

The ability to work independently and manage own workload.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

The ability to work in accordance with equality and diversity guidelines.

The ability to deal with people in a friendly and professional manner by
email and over the telephone.
Notes
NHWN is the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). It is a
national body being constituted as that of the NHWN Board of Directors and
Advisory Group consisting of 9 English Regional Representatives and 1 for Wales.
Visav is the technical partner of NHWN. Visav has developed and securely
maintains the Neighbourhood Alert database.
Neighbourhood Alert is the national central database and messaging service for
NHWN.