Prison Support - HMP Huntercombe

Role overview

This position is for an Operational Support Grade at HMP Huntercombe, part of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The role is hands-on, varied, and central to the smooth daily operation of the prison.

You will support a busy secure environment through a mix of desk-based work and practical duties. Typical activities include gate security and searches, handling deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring calls and CCTV. The job also involves physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and walking across prison grounds to escort vehicles.

Travel and attendance

The prison is in a rural area with limited public transport, so having a driving licence and your own transport is helpful, although it is not essential unless specifically stated for the role. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so you must be able to travel to and from work on time. Applicants should take the location carefully into account when considering transport options.

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

What the role suits

No formal qualifications are required. This opportunity may suit someone who communicates well, stays calm when pressure is high, and can work effectively in a fast-moving environment. Good judgement, common sense, and strong teamwork are key to success in the post.

You will work a range of shifts, including nights and weekends, to help maintain prison operations around the clock.

Career value

This position offers a unique chance to contribute to public safety by supporting important work within the prison system. Contact with prisoners is usually limited, though there may be occasional interaction depending on the establishment. The role also builds practical understanding of how a prison operates and may open pathways into other prison service roles, including the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Training and development

Successful candidates will receive training and have access to development and progression opportunities.

Pay and benefits

The salary for this role is £29,432. Alongside base pay, the package includes annual leave starting at 25 days and increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service, calculated on a pro-rata basis, plus 9 bank, public and privilege holidays.

Additional benefits include access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service, the Civil Service pension scheme, season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.