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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage the safety and rehabilitation of prisoners in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join HMP Cardiff, a vital part of the UK justice system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and additional perks.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for career progression and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years and pass fitness assessments.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 38003 £ per year.
Overview
If you are applying to be a prison officer and do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship, you will need to consider options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK. HMPPS continues to comply with UK Immigration Rules and the Civil Service. An extraordinary job – in this unique career you will carry out many different roles in any one day.
Eligibility
To work in a high‑security prison (Category A) you must have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Assessment Process
You will be invited to complete Stage 1 of an online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass, you will progress to Stage 2, a task‑based assessment, followed by an Online Assessment Centre (OAC). Successful completion of the OAC and allocation to a vacancy leads to a medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing, basic health screening and blood pressure).
Key Selection Criteria
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring for prisoners and staff
- Passing a medical and fitness assessment
- Meeting required eyesight standards in both eyes
- Meeting a suitable standard of hearing (without hearing aids)
- Ensuring tattoos are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious or medical reasons
Pay and Benefits
- 37 hours a week – £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week – £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week – £38,003 a year
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years of service)
- Paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97 %
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Merit List Information
Successful candidates are added to a merit list based on their score. The list remains valid for 12 months; later vacancies are offered to those with the highest scores.
Operational Support Grade (OSG) Option
If you are not successful as a prison officer, you may be offered an alternative role as an operational support grade (OSG) officer.
Diversity, Equality and Reasonable Adjustment
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. Reasonable adjustments are available – just tick ‘yes’ when asked if you might need one.
202510:Prison Officer - HMP Cardiff employer: Hmp Cardiff
Contact Detail:
Hmp Cardiff Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202510:Prison Officer - HMP Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the assessment process! Knowing what to expect in the online tests and the Online Assessment Centre can give you a real edge. We recommend practising your judgement and numerical skills beforehand.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! As a prison officer, you'll need to influence and manage situations effectively. During interviews or assessments, share examples of how you've successfully communicated in challenging scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the medical and fitness tests! Make sure you're in good shape and know the eyesight and hearing standards required. A little prep goes a long way, so consider a quick health check before your assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace 202510:Prison Officer - HMP Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Eligibility: Before you dive into the application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. If you're unsure about your right to work in the UK, it's worth checking out your options first. We want to see you succeed!
Tailor Your Application: When filling out your application, make it personal! Highlight your skills in communicating, managing services, and making decisions. Show us how you care for both prisoners and staff – we love a good story!
Prepare for Assessments: Get ready for the online tests! Brush up on your basic judgement and numerical skills. We recommend practising a bit beforehand so you can ace Stage 1 and move on to the task-based assessment with confidence.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way to submit your application and ensures it gets to the right place. Plus, we’re here to help if you have any questions along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hmp Cardiff
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and challenges of the role at HMP Cardiff. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Brush Up on Your Skills
Since the assessment process includes tests for judgement and numerical skills, it’s a good idea to practice these areas beforehand. There are plenty of online resources available that can help you sharpen these skills, so take advantage of them to boost your confidence.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations involving prisoners and staff. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making them clear and concise.
✨Dress Appropriately and Be Yourself
While you want to look professional, it’s also important to be authentic. Dress smartly but comfortably, and let your personality shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively and manage a quality service, so don’t be afraid to show your interpersonal skills.