Prison Support - HMP Huntercombe

Role overview

This position is for an Operational Support Grade at HMP Huntercombe within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The role is central to the day-to-day operation of a busy prison and combines administrative, security, and practical duties as part of a team.

The work is active and varied. It may include gate security checks, searching, handling incoming deliveries, supervising visitors, monitoring telephone activity and CCTV, and carrying out physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and escorting vehicles across the prison site.

Travel and attendance

Some prisons are located in rural areas with limited public transport, so having a driving licence and access to your own transport can be helpful, though it is not a mandatory requirement unless specifically stated. Shift start and finish times are fixed, and punctual travel arrangements are your responsibility. Please think carefully about the location and how you will get to and from work on time.

Driving licence requirement

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

What makes a good fit

No formal qualifications are needed for this post. It may suit someone who communicates clearly, stays composed in pressured situations, uses sound judgement, and works well as part of a team.

The role involves working different shift patterns, including weekends and nights, to support continuous prison operations.

Career value

This role offers the chance to contribute to public safety and support the important work carried out in prisons each day. While direct prisoner contact is limited compared with prison officers, occasional interaction may happen depending on the establishment.

It can also help build practical knowledge of prison operations and may create routes into other prison careers, including the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Training and development

You will receive training along with opportunities to progress and develop within the service.

Pay and benefits

The salary for this role is £29,432.

Alongside base pay, the package includes 25 days of annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 days after 10 years of service, calculated pro rata; 9 bank, public and privilege holidays; access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service; and the Civil Service pension scheme. Additional benefits include season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Additional information

Applicants must be prepared for the fixed shift structure and ensure they can reliably travel to the workplace in time for each shift. The role is described as an extraordinary opportunity for someone ready to support the safe and effective running of the prison.