Mentor (HMP Berwyn)

Role overview

This post is based at HM Prison Berwyn in Wrexham and is a non-operational role within the establishment. The successful candidate will support prisoners in a workshop setting where no formal qualifications are being delivered and where the role does not involve training prisoners to qualification level. It is a rotational position, and the holder may move between related workshop duties over time.

What the role involves

The post holder will provide supervision, practical knowledge and skill support to prisoners working in non-specialist workshops. While the role does not include line management, it does carry responsibility for managing workshop activity and prisoner conduct safely, securely and decently.

Workshop duties

• Take part in selecting prisoners for workshop placement.
• Induct prisoners into the workshop and train them in health and safety, COSHH, and the safe use of machinery, tools, equipment and raw materials.
• Support prisoners according to individual needs, adapting learning and work plans as required.
• Set work schedules and monitor targets and quality standards to meet contract requirements.
• Manage prisoner behaviour, performance, motivation, discipline, appraisal and development during workshop activity.
• Carry out metal detector scans or rub-down searches for prisoners entering and leaving the workshop.
• Introduce product development improvements to sustain output and widen work experience for prisoners.
• Contribute to risk assessments and health and safety checks for consumables, the workshop area and specialist activity areas.
• Support prisoner reporting, sentence planning, parole-related information, ACCT, VRIR and SIR processes by supplying information to case managers and completing required forms when needed.
• Help update regime monitoring information and prisoner training records.
• Maintain routine communication over the radio network in line with local security procedures.
• Request materials, estimate usage and ensure work targets are met while checking quality against product specifications.
• Record attendance, approve hours worked and wages, and note piecework where relevant.
• Attend and contribute to meetings as required.
• Provide administrative support, prepare documents for manager verification and keep systems updated in line with local arrangements.

Working pattern

The standard working week is 37 hours.

Selection criteria and behaviours

The selection process will assess behaviours and strengths, with emphasis on communicating and influencing, managing a quality service and making effective decisions. The role also highlights leadership and working together as important behaviours.

Pay and benefits

The salary for this role is £29,107. In addition, HM Prison & Probation Service contributes £8,432 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The employer pension contribution rate is 28.97%.

Additional benefits

• Access to learning and development.
• A workplace that supports flexible working options to help improve work-life balance.
• An inclusive working culture that values diversity.
• Civil Service pension benefits.
• Annual leave.
• Public holidays.
• Season ticket advance.

Artificial intelligence guidance

AI tools may be used to help support an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate and taken directly from the applicant's own experience. If plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified, an application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

Recruitment process

The vacancy uses the Success Profiles framework and will assess behaviours and strengths. Feedback will only be given if the candidate attends an interview or assessment.

Security and vetting

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check. People working with government assets must also complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements

This role is open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK, eligible EU/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and their family members with settled or pre-settled status or a valid EUSS application, certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, and Turkish nationals and certain family members with the right to work in the Civil Service.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service recruits on merit through fair and open competition. It also offers a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and a Redeployment Interview Scheme for civil servants at risk of redundancy who meet the minimum requirements. The Civil Service Code sets the standards expected of civil servants.

Diversity and inclusion

The Civil Service aims to attract, retain and develop talent from all backgrounds. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Contact information

For recruitment queries, contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team by email at moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk or by phone on 0345 241 5358. The recruitment team can also be contacted at moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk.

Further information

Appointments to the Civil Service follow the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you believe those principles have not been followed, you should first raise the issue with SSCL. If the role was advertised externally and you remain dissatisfied, you may escalate the complaint to the Civil Service Commission.

Note

Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be available, so applicants may wish to keep a copy for their records.