Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily operations of HMP Winchester, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, a vital part of public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with potential career progression into other prison roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and teamwork skills are essential.
As an Operational Support Grade, you will play a key part in supporting the day-to-day running of a busy prison. You will be part of a supportive team doing all sorts of things – from security and searches at the gate, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV.
It’s a varied and active job involving tasks which combine some desk duties with more physical tasks such as lifting, carrying and walking to escort vehicles across the prison grounds. Travel to Work – 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.
Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed and it is your responsibility to get to and from your place of work on time for the start of your shift. Please carefully consider the location of this vacancy and your transport options.
You don’t need any qualifications to do this job, but if you are a good communicator and can keep calm under pressure, this fast-paced role could be the start of a successful career for you. Helping to keep a prison running smoothly and safely you will have good judgement and common sense, and, above all, be a great team player.
As an OSG, you will work a variety of shifts, including weekend and night shifts, to keep things running. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to protect the public and make an impact on lives by supporting the important work happening daily in our prisons. Unlike our prison officers, your contact with prisoners is limited, although depending on the particular prison you may interact with prisoners occasionally.
The OSG role will give you significant knowledge and experience of how a prison operates. It can provide opportunities to move into other prison jobs, including opportunities to apply for the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.
What you can expect from us: You’ll be given great training and opportunities for progression and development. In addition to your base pay, you will receive:
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after 10 years’ service (calculated on a pro-rata basis)
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays
- Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service
- Access to the generous Civil Service pension scheme
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme
If this sounds like you, apply now.
Prison Support - HMP Winchester in Exton 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 Prison Support - HMP Winchester in Exton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with HMP Winchester and its operations. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios that could arise in a busy prison setting. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support - HMP Winchester in Exton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Prison Support role. We want to see how you can contribute to the day-to-day running of HMP Winchester, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is key in this role, let us know about any experiences where you've successfully communicated under pressure. Whether it’s through examples from previous jobs or personal situations, we want to see that you can keep calm and convey information clearly.
Highlight Teamwork Experience: Being a great team player is essential for this position. Share examples of when you’ve worked effectively in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. We love to see how you collaborate and support others to achieve common goals!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so get started today!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Prison Support role at HMP Winchester. Familiarise yourself with tasks like security checks, managing deliveries, and supervising visitors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a good communicator, you'll need to convey your ability to stay calm under pressure. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. This will highlight your suitability for the fast-paced environment of a prison.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Being a great team player is crucial in this role. Think of specific instances where you've worked well in a team, especially in high-pressure situations. Sharing these stories will show that you can contribute positively to the supportive team dynamic at HMP Winchester.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since some prisons are in rural areas with limited transport, it's wise to plan how you'll get to work on time. If you have your own transport, mention it during the interview. If not, be prepared to discuss your transport options and how you'll ensure punctuality for your shifts.