Prison Support - HMP Huntercombe

Role overview

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is hiring for an Operational Support Grade at HMP Huntercombe. This position offers a salary of £29,432 and sits within a busy prison environment where the work is active, varied and essential to daily operations.

What the role involves

You’ll support the smooth running and security of the prison, working as part of a team on a range of duties. These include gate security and searching, handling deliveries, supervising visitors, and checking phone calls and CCTV. The role combines desk-based tasks with hands-on work such as lifting, carrying and walking across the prison grounds to escort vehicles.

Travel and attendance expectations

Some prison sites are in rural areas with limited public transport, so having your own transport and a driving licence can be helpful, though it is not always required unless specifically stated. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so you must be able to travel to and from work punctually. Please take the location of this job and your transport arrangements into account before applying.

Driving licence requirement

Applicants must hold 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 weighing up to 750kg.

Who this role suits

No formal qualifications are needed for this job. It is well suited to someone who communicates clearly, stays composed under pressure, uses sound judgement, and works well in a team. The pace is fast, so practical common sense and reliability are important.

Shift pattern and environment

You will be expected to work across a variety of shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends, to help keep the prison operating safely and effectively.

Career development

This role offers a chance to build strong knowledge of how a prison operates. While prisoner contact is limited compared with prison officers, you may have occasional interaction depending on the establishment. The position can also open pathways to other prison jobs, including the OSG to Prison Officer conversion route.

Training and benefits

You will receive good training, along with opportunities to progress and develop within the service. Alongside base pay, the package includes annual leave starting at 25 days on appointment and increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service, calculated pro rata. You will also receive 9 days of bank, public and privilege holidays, access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service, and benefits such as the Civil Service pension scheme, season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Closing note

If this opportunity matches your profile, you are encouraged to apply.