Prison Support Officer - HMP Grendon and Spring Hill

About the Role

Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service as a Prison Support Officer at HMP Grendon and HMP Springhill, situated in Waddesdon, England. In this vital full-time position, you will contribute significantly to the smooth and secure operation of a busy prison environment. Your duties will span a broad range of tasks, including conducting security checks and searches at the entrance, handling deliveries, supervising visitors, and overseeing phone and CCTV monitoring.

This role merges desk-based duties with physical activities such as lifting, carrying, and escorting vehicles around the prison grounds. It provides a unique opportunity to gain extensive insight into prison operations and could serve as an excellent foundation for a career within the justice system.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the everyday functioning of the prison through varied tasks mixing administrative and physical work.
• Conduct security procedures such as gate searches and monitor various communication channels.
• Manage visitor supervision and control the receipt of deliveries on-site.
• Drive within the prison grounds and escort vehicles safely between locations.
• Work a shift pattern that includes nights and weekends to maintain continuous operational support.

Candidate Profile

Applicants need no formal qualifications but should possess excellent communication skills and an ability to remain calm in fast-moving, high-pressure scenarios. Sound judgement, practical common sense, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team setting are essential.

Possessing a valid full UK Driving Licence is mandatory due to driving responsibilities inherent to the role.

Benefits and Development

• A competitive starting salary of £29,432 per year.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing to 30 days after a decade of service, plus 9 bank, public, and privilege holidays.
• Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Enrollment in the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Additional perks include season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

The post offers structured training and a clear path for career progression, including the possibility to enter the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Additional Information

This role limits direct contact with prisoners, unlike traditional prison officers; however, some interaction may occasionally be required depending on the facility’s needs.