Operational Support Grade - HMP Prison Support

Job Overview

As part of our prison support team, your work will be varied and will help keep the prison running smoothly. This is an active role involving a range of physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, standing and walking for long periods. You may also work lone during day and night shifts.

Contact with prisoners will vary depending on the establishment. Full training and a supportive team will be provided.

Travel:
Some prisons are in rural locations with limited public transport. A driving licence and personal transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. For HMP Leicester a full, valid UK Driving Licence is required.

• Ensure secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, and vehicles.
• Carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, and vehicles.
• Escort vehicles and contractors around the site.
• Issue and collect staff keys and radios.
• Patrol and search perimeter fence areas.
• Operate the prison radio system.
• Monitor CCTV and report suspicious activity.
• Welcome visitors and escort them if necessary.
• Monitor, log, and report mail entering the prison.
• Report contraband items and preserve evidence.
• Ensure cell doors are locked and prisoners are accounted for.
• Photograph prisoners.
• Process prisoners’ property and parcels.
• Supervise prisoners when required.
• Exchange clothing and property.
• Assist prison officers in escorting prisoners.
• Deliver and collect food trollies and use an electric tug vehicle when needed.
• Transport prisoners and their escorts to destinations.
• Collect mail from sorting offices, including lifting heavy sacks.
• Monitor the prison’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) phone system and maintain a log of PIN phone requests.
• Understand and adhere to national and local policies, and respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

No formal qualifications are required. Candidates should demonstrate good judgement, common sense, responsibility, and teamwork.

The salary reflects a 37‑hour week with a 20% unsocial hours allowance for nights, evenings, and weekends.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service (pro‑rated).
• 9 days of bank, public, and privilege holidays.
• Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Access to the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Work an average of 37 hours per week on a rotating shift pattern that includes nights, evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Shift times vary by establishment and will be discussed during the interview.