Gypsies an travellers - Employment case studies

David Woodward has been working full time for two years as the Community Liaison Manager in the Gypsy and Travellers Unit. We asked David some questions about his job.

Could you briefly describe a "typical" day?

I am not sure if there is a typical day as the very nature of the job is dynamic.

Much of my time is spent listening to residents and imparting information to them. There is a strong oral tradition amongst Gypsies and Travellers. Little stock is put in the written word and this must be considered at all times. Many of the residents I deal with on a day to day basis have very low levels of literacy so giving information about all things like fire safety, health and safety and future provision becomes time consuming and complicated.

I also advise residents and others to help ensure they are aware of their entitlements and can access services. Ultimately, we are seeking to reduce dependence and take up opportunities that the rest of us take for granted.

During the day there are always maintenance issues to resolve to keep the infrastructure on the site working.

I don't spend a lot of time in the office, usually flying visits to update records and write letters on behalf of our clients or to other agencies.

A key part of the job is around liaising with local settled communities and a range of agencies to improve relationships and the environment around Three Lakes Park, a predominently Romany Gypsy caravan site in Sittingbourne.

I sit on quite a few panels representing Gypsy and Travellers and ensuring their voice is heard. They are as follows:

• Minority Policing Panel
• Equalities Commission
• Kent Police's Gypsy and Traveller Advisory Group
• Countywide Group on Accommodation Needs

I report back what goes on in these meetings to Three Lakes Park Residents when there is something relevant.

What is the best thing about your job?

Seeing improvements in people's lives, being respected as an outsider and accepted.

Is there anything you'd change about it if you could?

I think the enforcement role that Site Managers need to adopt from time to time should be separate from the Community Liaison role.

How would people get into this sort of work? (any particular career path / qualifications needed? If not how did you get into the work?)

After many years in the private sector I, by accident, ended up working with 16 to 18 year old Asylum Seekers in Dover dealing in conflict management in a multi-ethnic environment. This led to studying ethnic diversity and behavioural issues at the European centre for Migration Studies at Canterbury University. I obtained a certificate with distinction in Social Care Practice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. My specialist subject was "The effects of insecurity and Trauma on Behaviour" and PTSD.

Becoming aware of Romany Gypsy culture sparked an interest in Kent's largest ethnic minority and I applied for a job when it became vacant with the Gypsy and Traveller Unit.

Beyond the basic skills required to function efficiently in a modern computerised work environment, you need to be very understanding, a good communicator, have patience and a good understanding of Gypsy and Traveller issues, culture and lifestyle.