Careers, Information, Advice & Guidance Advisor (CIAG) - London SW18

Do you want to play a direct role in helping people build a credible future beyond custody? At Get Set UK, we support individuals to develop the skills, confidence and stability needed to move into employment and sustain it. As a Careers Advisor working inside prison settings, you will deliver structured career guidance and employability support to individuals preparing for release. This is purposeful work. It is also disciplined, structured and delivered within a secure environment. If you are calm, professional and comfortable working within clear routines and procedures, this role will suit you well.

What This Role Is Really About

Employment can be a turning point. Inside prison, your role is to help individuals reflect, plan and prepare realistically for life beyond custody. You will:

• Deliver one to one careers guidance sessions
• Facilitate structured employability workshops
• Support individuals to create realistic career and progression plans
• Help them understand employer expectations
• Identify skills gaps and appropriate training routes
• Support access to Release on Temporary Licence placements where appropriate

This role requires professionalism, emotional steadiness and the ability to work within strict security protocols. Prison environments operate on clear routines. Access is controlled. Personal items are restricted. When you are in, you are fully present and focused on your role. This suits someone who values structure, clarity and purpose. This role is delivered within a secure custodial setting and requires enhanced prison security vetting. Candidates must be able to meet strict clearance standards and comply fully with all security procedures. Employment will be subject to successful clearance. Please consider carefully whether you are comfortable working within a secure custodial environment before applying.

What You Will Do

You will:

• Deliver careers guidance aligned to CIAG standards
• Facilitate workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, financial literacy and digital skills
• Develop personalised action plans with measurable milestones
• Record activity accurately and maintain compliance documentation
• Collaborate with prison staff, training providers and external partners
• Maintain strict adherence to prison security procedures and safeguarding policies

You will balance supportive conversations with clear expectations. You will challenge constructively while maintaining professional boundaries.

The Standard We Work To

Working in custody requires consistency and professionalism. We are looking for people who can evidence:

• Reliability and structure: You work effectively within routine and follow procedures carefully.
• Emotional steadiness: You remain calm during difficult conversations and maintain professional boundaries.
• Clarity and communication: You can explain options, expectations and next steps clearly.
• Integrity: You respect confidentiality, safeguarding and security requirements at all times.
• Commitment: You can maintain focus and standards in a structured, secure environment.

This is not a casual or flexible environment. It is organised, secure and purposeful. For the right person, it is deeply rewarding.

Who This Role Suits

You may come from:

• Careers guidance or employability services
• Offender rehabilitation or probation
• Youth work or education
• Housing or support services
• Welfare to work programmes

What matters most is your ability to:

• Deliver structured guidance
• Work professionally in secure settings
• Maintain boundaries
• Support realistic progression
• Take ownership of your caseload

What You Will Bring

Level 3 or higher in Careers Information, Advice & Guidance or willingness to work towards Level 4. Experience delivering one to one guidance or group sessions. Confidence using IT systems to record activity accurately. Understanding of safeguarding and compliance requirements. The ability to manage challenging conversations professionally.

We recognise that people bring different experiences and career paths. If you meet most of the criteria and feel motivated by the purpose of this role, we encourage you to apply.

A Day in the Life of a Careers Advisor

“My day begins with clearing security and preparing for scheduled sessions. Once inside, the focus is on structured, purposeful work. I might deliver a one to one guidance session with someone exploring realistic job options after release. We look at skills, previous experience and barriers, then agree practical next steps. Later, I facilitate a small workshop on interview preparation or CV development, helping participants understand employer expectations and workplace behaviours. Throughout the day, I update records accurately, liaise with prison staff and coordinate with training providers. The environment is structured and secure, which means planning and organisation are essential. What makes it rewarding is seeing individuals gain clarity, confidence and a credible plan for the future.”

Our Values

At Get Set UK, we are Ambitious, we take Pride in what we do, we are Considerate, we Own It and we Inspire. We are looking for people who bring these values to their work consistently.

Why Join Get Set UK?

You will be supported, trusted and given the opportunity to make a genuine difference. You will benefit from:

• Wellbeing support including GP access, counselling and Headspace
• Pension, discounts and salary sacrifice options
• Enhanced benefits with service
• Development and progression opportunities
• A culture built on ambition, pride, ownership and support

Eligibility

You must have the full right to work in the UK to be considered for this role. Visa sponsorship is not available. This role is delivered within a secure custodial setting and requires enhanced prison security vetting. Candidates must be able to meet strict clearance standards and comply fully with all security procedures. Employment will be subject to successful clearance. Please consider carefully whether you are comfortable working within a secure custodial environment before applying.

Additional information

We reserve the right to close applications early, so we encourage early applications. Get Set UK is a Disability Confident and Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals and are committed to supporting physical and mental wellbeing at work. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. This role is subject to satisfactory recruitment checks and a commitment to safeguarding learners and clients. Get Set UK does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies.