Operational Support Grade - HMP Whitemoor; Prison Support

Job

Locations:
March, Wisbech, Peterborough, Cambridge

Number of roles available: 8

As part of the prison support team, this active role involves a variety of physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, standing and walking, as well as lone working during day and night shifts.

You will not always be in contact with prisoners; responsibilities will vary depending on the prison establishment.

You will receive full training and be part of a supportive team.

CTC clearance is required for HMP Whitemoor.

Travel to work may require a driving licence and own transport as some prisons are in rural locations.

• Secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, and vehicles.
• Carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles.
• Escort vehicles and contractors around the prison 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, escort them if needed, and log incoming mail.
• Report contraband items and preserve evidence where needed.
• Ensure cell doors are locked and prisoners are accounted for.
• Photograph prisoners and process prisoners’ property, parcels and items.
• Exchange clothing and property and help escort prisoners.
• Deliver and collect food trollies or use an electric tug vehicle.
• Transport prisoners and escorts to destinations.
• Collect mail from the local sorting office (may involve lifting heavy sacks).
• Monitor the prison PIN phone system and maintain the log of PIN requests.
• Understand and conform to national and local policies, responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

• No formal qualifications are required.
• Good judgement, common sense, responsibility and teamwork.
• Must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English (and Welsh when specified in Wales).
• CTC clearance and enhanced Level 2 vetting are mandatory.
• Proof of being a UK resident for the last 3 years is required.

Average of 37 hours per week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance for nights, evenings, weekends, and bank/public holidays. Work will occur on a rolling shift pattern (night shifts included as per establishment); hours may be discussed at interview.

• Salary includes 20% unsocial hours allowance. Salary figures quoted are for a 37‑hour week.
• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rata basis).
• 9 bank, public, and privilege holidays.
• Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Access to the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Season ticket loans, retail discounts, Employee Assistance Programme, and Cycle to Work scheme.

Complete the online application form including the values‑based assessment (VBA). Pass the assessment to be invited to an interview. Successful interviewees will be added to a merit list and receive job offers based on scores.