Prison Support - HMP Wayland

About the Role

Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) as an Operational Support Grade (OSG) at HMP Wayland. This is an extraordinary job where you will be instrumental in supporting the daily operations of a busy prison. You will be part of a dedicated team contributing to various essential functions, including security checks at the gate, managing incoming deliveries, supervising visitor interactions, and monitoring communications and CCTV feeds. This role is dynamic and multifaceted, blending administrative tasks with physical responsibilities such as lifting, carrying, and escorting vehicles across the prison grounds.

This career offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety and positively influence lives by supporting the critical work undertaken within our prisons. While your direct interaction with prisoners will be limited compared to prison officers, occasional contact may occur depending on the specific prison environment. The OSG position provides invaluable insight into prison operations and can serve as a stepping stone to other roles within the prison service, including pathways to the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Responsibilities

• Conduct security and searches at the prison gate.
• Manage and process incoming deliveries.
• Supervise and monitor visitor interactions.
• Oversee phone calls and CCTV surveillance.
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, carrying, and escorting vehicles.
• Undertake desk duties as required.
• Contribute to the smooth and safe running of the prison.

Requirements

• No formal qualifications are required.
• Strong communication skills are essential.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Good judgment and common sense.
• Excellent teamwork capabilities.
• Willingness to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and nights.
• Consideration for personal transport due to potential rural location and limited public transport.

Perks

• Comprehensive training provided.
• Opportunities for career progression and development.
• 25 days of annual leave upon appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service.
• 9 days of bank, public, and privilege holidays.
• Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Eligibility for the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Access to season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Eligibility

This role is open to individuals who possess strong communication skills, can maintain composure under pressure, and are effective team players. While a driving license and personal transport are beneficial due to the potential rural location of HMP Wayland and limited public transport, they are not mandatory requirements unless specifically stated for certain establishments. Applicants must be responsible for ensuring they can reach the workplace on time for their scheduled shifts, considering the fixed start and end times.

Additional Information

Travel to Work: Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options, therefore a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role (unless specified*). Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed and it is your responsibility to get to and from your place of work on time for the start of your shift. Please carefully consider the location of this vacancy and your transport options.

Working Hours: As an OSG, you will work a variety of shifts, including weekend and night shifts, to keep things running.