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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide prisoners while ensuring safety and teamwork in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and make a difference in a women's prison.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and additional perks.
- Why this job: Be a peacekeeper and mentor, making a real impact on lives.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical and fitness assessments, and meet security checks.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and support for diverse talent.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 38003 £ per year.
Role Overview
Find out more about this varied role and day‑to‑day life as a prison officer. You will be required to work various shifts and some weekends. One minute you are a peacekeeper, the next you are a counsellor or a teacher. You will build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who may be at the lowest point in their lives.
Responsibilities
- You will work various shifts and some weekends.
- Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment; you will need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and understand the importance of acting as one team to keep the prison, and everyone who works here safe.
- You will be required to build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who may be at the lowest point in their lives.
- You will have to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Qualifications
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements.
- You must be able to pass a medical and fitness assessment.
- You must meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (with and without corrective lenses).
- You must sit a suitable standard of hearing (without using hearing aids).
- You must pass a criminal record check.
- You must achieve a suitable baseline personnel security standard check.
- You must ensure you have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Benefits
- £33,746 a year if you work 37 hours a week.
- £35,875 a year if you work 39 hours a week.
- £38,003 a year if you work 41 hours a week.
- 25 days' annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years of service).
- Paid time off for public holidays and an extra privilege day.
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%.
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.
Assessment Process
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths and abilities you need to become an effective prison officer. These include communicating and influencing, managing a quality service and making effective decisions.
Application Process
Once you have completed your initial application form, you will be invited to complete stage 1 of the online test, to see if you have the basic judgement and numerical skills expected of a prison officer. If you are successful, we will invite you to an online assessment centre where we test to see if you have the abilities, behaviours and strengths to be a prison officer. Afterwards you will be invited to provide a written response to 3 behaviour‑based questions. We will explore your understanding of the prison officer role in a women's prison and why you are interested in the role. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you can raise a formal complaint.
Additional Information
We are committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. The Civil Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustment support to candidates when they apply. Where practical and logistical constraints mean the day of the assessment centre cannot accommodate requests, we kindly request that you let us know in plenty of time if adjustments are required. To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years. Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options; therefore, a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role (unless specified).
202511: Prison Officer - HMP Askham Grange in Askham Richard employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202511: Prison Officer - HMP Askham Grange in Askham Richard
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a prison officer really involves, from the daily challenges to the skills needed. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a prison officer, you'll need to build relationships and manage conflicts. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with different situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison officers. They can provide insider tips and advice on what to expect during the recruitment process. Plus, it shows your commitment to understanding the role better!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of others.
We think you need these skills to ace 202511: Prison Officer - HMP Askham Grange in Askham Richard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the role of a prison officer.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your written responses to the specific questions asked. Highlight your understanding of the role and how your skills can contribute to building positive relationships with prisoners.
Show Your Team Spirit: Teamwork is key in this role, so emphasise your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past and how you can contribute to a safe and collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress throughout the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day responsibilities, such as building relationships with prisoners and working as part of a team. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As a prison officer, you'll need to be a peacekeeper, counsellor, and teacher all rolled into one. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your communication skills, empathy, and ability to handle challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Be Ready for Behaviour-Based Questions
Expect to face behaviour-based questions during the interview. These will assess your understanding of the role and your motivations. Think about why you want to work in a women's prison specifically and how you can positively impact the lives of those in your care. Practising your answers beforehand will help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Prepare for the Assessment Centre
If you get invited to the assessment centre, be ready for various tests that evaluate your judgement and numerical skills. Brush up on these areas beforehand, and remember that teamwork is crucial. Show that you can collaborate effectively with others, as this is vital in a prison environment.
