Please read in conjunction with Notes for Job Applicants for further general information on St. Clare's.
Duties and Responsibilities of WardensGeneral
The Warden of a house stands in loco parentis, and is responsible
for the welfare of the students in his/her care, for encouraging an atmosphere
of consideration, and for upholding the good name of the College.
The Warden can help the students make friends with each other, but will never show favouritism - each must feel as important as the next. In the role of confidante or shoulder to lean on when needed, it is important to be available, when appropriate.
As well as being on the student's side, the Warden has to be on the side of the College, upholding College standards of conduct and behaviour, and in this respect it is important to support colleagues in other houses and in the classroom, liaising with the Personal tutors, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and the Principal where necessary. Confidentiality is vital.
The relationship of the Warden with the students should be modelled on that of a responsible parent with sons or daughters of the same age living at home. There may be differences of style between one Warden and another, but all Wardens are expected to follow the procedures below, bearing in mind that common sense should prevail since all eventualities cannot be itemised.
1. Reporting relationships
The Warden reports overall to the Assistant Principal, particularly in
the area of pastoral care and welfare of students. At day-to-day level
contact is more likely to be with other people as follows:
- On the care of the house and contents: The Domestic Bursar.
- On the contractual terms and conditions of service: The Director of Finance and Administration.
- Arrangements for relief and holiday cover: The Assistant Principal
- Changes in student accommodation: the Accommodation Officer.
Other details are given below.
2. Specific Duties and Responsibilities
1. The Warden is charged by the College to act in loco parentis for the students in his/her house. This requires being available to students at suitable times during the duty periods.
2. The Warden is responsible for
- upholding the College regulations as notified, in his/her house, and promptly reporting student misbehaviour to the Dean of Students or Assistant Principal, as appropriate.
- for taking appropriate action when a student is sick. Initially the student should be referred to the College Nurse. Outside of her hours or if the student needs to see a doctor, an appointment with a GP should be made and this recorded e.g. in warden log book and/or house weekly report.
- for reporting any serious emergency (eg break-in or accident) and all thefts to the Assistant Principal who will call the police if necessary. In the absence of the Assistant Principal, the Director of Finance and Administration or Principal should be contacted.
In the event of an emergency involving an immediate or on-going risk to persons or property the Warden may call the emergency services as appropriate.
- for the care of the College house and contents, reporting maintenance requirements, damage etc. to the College through the appropriate channels.
- personally checking that students are in the house by 23.00 on weekdays and 24.00 at weekends or later, where the Warden deems necessary, in line with agreed policy.
- for maintaining an atmosphere conducive to study in the house
- for directing the cleaner as appropriate, and under the overall direction of the Domestic Bursar
- for instructing the students to keep their own rooms in order, make beds etc.
- for complying with all health and safety
regulations as notified by the Health and Safety Officer, and in particular
ensuring that
- fire exits are kept free at all times
- fire drills are carried out at least once each term including one within the first three days of term
- fire drills are carried out within the first two days of each vacation course
- no unauthorised electrical appliances are used by students, the warden and/or his/her family
- students do not cook in bedrooms or bathrooms.
- for submitting reports on individual students as required by the Course Director
- for encouraging students to take care of College property and to be economical in the use of electricity, fuel and water.
3. The Warden is required to comply with conditions and arrangements as detailed in Section 5 of the Agreement for Service Occupancy.
4. Hours of work
During duty periods the Warden is required to be present in the house
at the time of curfew and overnight. The Warden is also expected to be
available to students for at least some other periods each week, most
conveniently in the evenings.
Consistent with the above duties and responsibilities, the Warden may take on other paid employment in the College or outside. The Warden should notify the Assistant Principal of any employment he or she accepts between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm on weekdays. The Warden should consult the Assistant Principal before accepting or undertaking any employment outside these hours and at weekends, for which the Assistant Principal's consent is required.
MS/BR June 1993
Amended August 15 2001 TW
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