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- Tasks: Join our team as a Maintenance Operative, ensuring a safe environment in a male prison.
- Company: Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL) focuses on secure and supportive prison operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private GP access, and employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rehabilitation while working in a supportive, inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with hand tools, good organisational skills, and Level 2 English and Maths required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace committed to employee growth and community impact.
Job Role: Fabric Operative / Escort
Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.
Location: HMP Downview (SM2)
Salary: £25,739.13
Contract: Full Time – Perm
We are seeking a dedicated Escort / Fabric Operative to join our team at a HMP Downview, a category B male prison.
Join a team that is more than just a group of colleagues – we work Monday to Friday as a supportive and driven family, working together to create a safe and nurturing environment.
HMP Downview runs like a self-contained city, it takes hundreds of people to keep it functioning, and as the Facilities Maintenance Team we are committed and driving the smooth and safe operation, like a heart that pumps blood through the body, everything we do impacts every prisoner, employee, and visitor, and wider to the families and community.
As an Escort / Fabric Operative, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced and passionate colleagues who vary from Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Painters, to Cleaners, and Administrators, and others, who are all dedicated to making a positive difference, providing a safe and secure environment for all.
If you are looking for a role where you can use your skills to create a better future for others, we encourage you to apply for this compelling opportunity and join us in our mission to promote rehabilitation and positive change and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.
We are a Ministry of Justice business and provide critical and time-bound services to HMPPS, and are looking for a Escort / Fabric Operative with any combination of:
Experience of prison environment
Experience of use of hand and power tools
Previous experience of working within a building fabric / Hard FM environment
Up to date First Aid at Work Qualification
Level 2 qualification in English and Maths
Good Health & Safety knowledge.
Excellent organisational, time management and people skills.
If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you!
Explore a varied and rewarding career at GFSL.
Welcome to careers at Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL). Joining us is your chance to help ensure prisons are secure and safe for prisoners and prison staff alike, and to play your part in helping prisoners reintegrate into society.
Holidays are 25 days per year plus Bank Holidays, and a range of non-contractual benefits are provided. These range from Death in Service at 4x salary, to access to private GP consultations and an Employee Assistance Programme that offers counselling and information services for preventative care and to help employees in a crisis. There are also a range of financial reward mechanisms and access to retailer discounts.
You will find a strong focus on safety, a supportive, inclusive workplace, a competitive benefits package, and real opportunity to build your skills and progress.
Explore facilities careers where you can make difference.
Pride In People.
We\’re passionate about promoting greater diversity and creating a workplace and culture where all of our employees have a voice that is heard, feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be their true selves.
We recognise the value that every single employee brings to the organisation. Everyone\’s needs at work are different and we are committed to doing our best to satisfy these differences whilst ensuring consistency and fairness for all. We promise to champion diversity and inclusion with ongoing learning and training, as well as career progression opportunities for everyone.
GFSL has been notified by its shareholder (MOJ) that the provision of FM services will in future be delivered by the private sector. This means that following a successful procurement process, GFSL\’s services will transfer to a private sector provider/providers in Spring 2026. As the programme unfolds, we will learn more.
Pride in People – Do the Right thing – One Team
An ISO 9001 Certified Company
Maintenance Operative employer: Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL)
Contact Detail:
Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the prison environment and its unique challenges. Understanding the dynamics of working in a secure facility like HMP Downview will help you demonstrate your awareness during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience with hand and power tools, as well as your knowledge of health and safety regulations. Being able to discuss specific projects or tasks where you've used these skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational and time management skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed your workload in previous roles, especially in fast-paced or challenging environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your commitment to teamwork and community impact. Share experiences where you've worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal, particularly in roles that required empathy and understanding of diverse backgrounds.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Maintenance Operative position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as experience in a prison environment and knowledge of health and safety.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Emphasise any previous work in facilities maintenance or similar roles, and include specific examples of using hand and power tools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the impact you wish to make. Mention your commitment to creating a safe environment and how your skills can contribute to the team's mission at HMP Downview.
Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, don't forget to showcase your organisational, time management, and people skills. These are crucial for working effectively within a team and ensuring smooth operations in a challenging environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL)
✨Understand the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the prison environment and its unique challenges. Research HMP Downview and understand how the Facilities Maintenance Team contributes to the safety and rehabilitation of prisoners.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience with hand and power tools, as well as any previous roles in building fabric or hard FM environments. Specific examples will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a diverse team, emphasise your organisational and time management skills, along with your ability to collaborate effectively with others. Share examples of teamwork from past experiences.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to discuss your knowledge and experience in this area. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as First Aid at Work, to show you are prepared for the responsibilities.
