What do we do?

We provide a vast range of services, advice and guidance not only to the residents of West Sussex, but also to those people who pass through the County and use our services.

We maintain the local highways, are the local educational authority, provide information services through our local libraries, and provide caring services for our most vulnerable residents, to name but a few. But did you also know that we work with other organisations to promote community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour, ensure rights of ways aren't obstructed and help vulnerable people to live independent lives?

Whilst the range of jobs undertaken at the authority is vast and offer every type of opportunity they tend to fall into two categories. Those front line roles providing services directly to residents, such as social workers, trading standards officers, librarians, care assistants, fire control room operators and teaching assistants. Secondly, but equally important, are those which enable our front line roles to operate and which support the business of West Sussex County Council such as; ICT, legal, property, financial and personnel services.

Here are some Key Facts:

• Education. We have some 300 schools, providing for 100,000 pupils. We also provide 4,000 Adult and FE courses each year.
  
• Social & Caring Services. We have 100 establishments and offices helping, supporting and caring for more than 18,000 people
  
• Environment (including transport planning, highways). We maintain some 4,000km of roads - and deals with more than 400,000 tonnes of household waste.
  
• Libraries. We have 35 libraries. We also have mobile libraries and home deliveries.
  
• Trading Standards. We carry out c 700,000 checks annually for consumer safety and quality
  
• Fire Brigade. We have 28 fire stations and answer some 15,000 emergency calls per year
  
• Records Office. We handle 32,000 enquiries annually. More than 50% of these enquiries are from people we assist in tracing their family history.