Operational Support Grade - HMP Stocken; Prison Support

Job Overview

As part of the prison support team, you will undertake a variety of physical tasks to keep the prison running smoothly. Tasks include lifting and carrying, long periods of standing and walking, and lone working during day and night shifts.

Location:

Melton Mowbray, Leicester or Peterborough. The role may require travel to rural prison establishments; a driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified.

• 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 on arrival and escort them if needed.
• Log incoming mail and report contraband.
• Ensure cell doors are locked and prisoners are accounted for.
• Photograph prisoners as required.
• Process prisoners’ property and parcels; supervise prisoner moves.
• Walk around the site delivering and collecting food trollies or using an electric tug vehicle.
• Collect mail from the local sorting office and manage the PIN phone system log.
• Understand and conform to national and local policies, responding to incidents and emergencies.
• Maintain the log of PIN phone requests from prisoners.

No formal qualifications are required. Successful candidates will possess good judgement, common sense, a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to teamwork.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate confidence in spoken English or, where specified in Wales, Welsh.

Average 37 hours per week, including night, evening, weekend and bank/public holiday shifts on a rolling shift pattern. Shift times may vary by establishment and will be discussed during the interview.

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

Driving licence and own transport are beneficial for rural locations, but the role does not require them unless specified in the job posting.

This vacancy is open to candidates from all backgrounds. Equal opportunities are promoted in the Civil Service.