Wardens get to work tidying e-scooters in Nottingham – with help from Big Issue Recruit

A new partnership will see Big Issue Recruit candidates employed as wardens to maintain and organise a fleet of e-scooters in Nottingham.

Big Issue Recruit has partnered with Dott, Nottingham’s newly approved e-scooter provider, to place four people who have worked with the person-centred employability support service into warden roles. They’re expected to be in-post by the end of April.

The wardens will be responsible for locating misplaced scooters, ensuring there’s supply across the city, and reporting vehicles in need of maintenance or battery replacement.

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Big Issue Recruit works with candidates who face barriers to work to find sustainable, long-term employment. Job coaches work one-on-one with candidates to build confidence and employability skills, getting them to a place where they feel ready to look for work before aiding with job-seeking.

The person-centred employability service was launched by Big Issue in 2022. It also partners with employers across the UK with significant workforce gaps to understand their recruitment needs and to accommodate some of the barriers facing the unemployed, ultimately with the aim of placing Big Issue Recruit candidates in their roles.

Stuart Greenway, director of Big Issue Recruit, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Dott to place four of our candidates into e-scooter warden roles up in Nottingham.

“The roles provide an exciting next step for our candidates on their confidence building journey. Through looking after the e-scooter supply and keeping the city’s streets tidy, they’ll become a cornerstone of their community, playing a vital role in making Nottingham tick.”

The partnership follows successful pilot programs in Bristol and Bath, which received positive feedback for improving the tidiness of e-scooter locations. Wardens will be employed on rolling 12-month contracts, providing valuable work experience and career development opportunities.

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