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 everyday smooth running of a busy prison and sits within a supportive team.

The work is varied and active, combining desk-based duties with practical tasks such as lifting, carrying, moving between areas of the prison, and escorting vehicles across the site.

What you will do

• Support security checks and searches at the gate.
• Handle incoming deliveries and manage related site activity.
• Supervise visitors during their time in the prison.
• Monitor phone calls and CCTV as part of routine security support.
• Carry out a mix of office-style and physically active duties.

Who this role suits

No formal qualifications are needed. The role is suited to someone who communicates well, stays calm when pressure builds, uses sound judgment, and works effectively as part of a team.

You should also be comfortable with a fast-moving environment and prepared to work different shifts, including nights and weekends.

Travel and shift expectations

Some prison sites are in rural areas with limited public transport, so having a driving licence and access to your own transport is helpful, though not always essential unless specifically required. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so you must be able to reach work on time for every shift and plan your travel accordingly.

For this vacancy, applicants must hold a full, valid UK driving licence including D1 entitlement, which permits driving vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, and a trailer weighing up to 750kg.

Career development and impact

This role offers the chance to support public protection and contribute to the important work carried out every day in prisons. While contact with prisoners is limited compared with prison officers, occasional interaction may occur depending on the establishment.

The position can also build practical knowledge of prison operations and may open pathways into other prison roles, including the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Pay and benefits

The salary for this role is £29,432.

• 25 days of annual leave at the start of employment, rising to 30 days after 10 years of service, calculated on a pro-rata basis.
• 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.
• Season ticket loans.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Additional information

If this opportunity matches your experience and interests, you are encouraged to apply.