Prison Support - HMP Bullingdon

Role overview

This position is for an Operational Support Grade at HMP Bullingdon, part of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The job sits at the centre of the prison’s daily operations and supports the safe, smooth running of a busy establishment.

What the job involves

You will work as part of a team handling a mix of operational and support duties. Typical tasks include gate security and searches, receiving and checking deliveries, supervising visitors, and keeping an eye on phone activity and CCTV. The role combines desk-based work with practical duties such as lifting, carrying, and walking escorts to vehicles across the prison grounds.

Working arrangements

This is a shift-based role and includes weekends and night duties. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so you must be able to arrive and leave on time for every scheduled shift. Some prison sites are in rural locations with limited public transport, so having a driving licence and your own transport can be helpful, although this is not required unless specifically stated.

Driving licence requirement

Applicants must have a full, valid UK driving licence that includes category D1. This category permits driving vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, and a trailer of up to 750kg.

Who this role suits

No formal qualifications are needed. The role is well suited to someone who communicates clearly, stays composed under pressure, uses common sense and sound judgement, and enjoys being part of a dependable team in a fast-moving environment.

Career development

Although contact with prisoners is limited compared with prison officers, you may occasionally interact with them depending on the prison. The role can build valuable knowledge of prison operations and may open the door to other prison careers, including the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Pay and benefits

The salary for this role is £29,432. Alongside base pay, you will receive training and development opportunities, as well as a benefits package that includes annual leave starting at 25 days and rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service on a pro-rata basis, 9 bank/public/privilege holidays, access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service, the Civil Service pension scheme, season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Additional information

This is described as an extraordinary job carried out by someone who wants to make a real difference by supporting work that protects the public and helps prisons function effectively.