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, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
- 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 New Alresford 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 New Alresford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with HMP Winchester and its operations. Understanding the unique challenges and daily routines can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you directly, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios in a fast-paced environment. Show that you can keep calm under pressure and are a great team player.
✨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 New Alresford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you a great fit for the Prison Support role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at HMP Winchester. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with the job description, like your ability to stay calm under pressure or work well in a team.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this extraordinary opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Being a great team player is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal. Sharing these experiences during your interview will show that you can contribute positively to the supportive team dynamic.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since some prisons are in rural areas with limited transport, it's wise to plan how you'll get to HMP Winchester. 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.