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- Tasks: As a prison officer, you'll engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and rehabilitation.
- Company: Join HMP Huntercombe, a vital part of the UK's justice system, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Tattoos are allowed unless offensive; facial tattoos generally not accepted.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing skills in communication, decision-making, and care.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass various assessments.
The predicted salary is between 37875 - 40003 £ per year.
Prison officer – HMP Huntercombe
HMP Huntercombe, Nuffield, Henley-on-Thames RG9 5SB
Starting salary: £37,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: High Wycombe
Region: South East
Vacancy type: Merit
From 4 April 2024, the Government increased the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas. The change means that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot guarantee sponsorship for those seeking sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa route.
If you are applying to be a prison officer and you do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes.
HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service.
You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and the eligibility criteria here.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
• communicating and influencing
• managing a quality service
• making effective decisions
• caring
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
• be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
• meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
• pass a medical and fitness assessment
• meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
• for safety reasons, meet a suitable standard of hearing.
• Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids).
To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
How to apply
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.
If you pass, we will invite you to complete stage 2 of the online tests, which is a task-based assessment.
If you pass the online tests, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC).
Once you’ve successfully completed the OAC and you are allocated to a vacancy, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test. This will cover an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours.
• 37 hours a week = £35,746 a year
• 39 hours a week = £37,875 a year
• 41 hours a week = £40,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances.
The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39 hours per week shift pattern.
Benefits
• 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
• paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
• cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Read more about prison officer benefits
Job offers: merit vacancy
This is a merit job vacancy. If you are successful at the online assessment centre, you will be added to a merit list based on your score.
When all applicants have completed the assessment centre, the prison will make job offers to individuals with the highest scores first when positions become available.
You can stay on the merit list for 12 months. After this, you’ll need to apply again.
Operational Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC), will not only assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer but will also determine your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade OSG If following attendance at your OAC, you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG. Operational support grade – Ministry of Justice
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants.
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 principles you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Reasonable adjustment support
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
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202508 : Prison Officer - HMP Huntercombe employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202508 : Prison Officer - HMP Huntercombe
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key competencies required for the role, such as communication and decision-making skills. Practising these skills in real-life scenarios can help you demonstrate your abilities during the online assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the medical and fitness assessments by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will not only help you pass the tests but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research HMP Huntercombe and understand its unique environment and challenges. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses during the assessment centre and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former prison officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the recruitment process, which can help you prepare more effectively for your application.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508 : Prison Officer - HMP Huntercombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a prison officer at HMP Huntercombe. Familiarise yourself with the skills needed, such as communication, decision-making, and caring.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service and influence others effectively.
Prepare for Online Tests: Since the application process includes online tests, practice basic judgement and numerical skills beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and improve your chances of passing the assessments.
Follow Up on Your Application: After submitting your application, keep an eye on your email for updates regarding the next steps. If you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe, consider reaching out to inquire about your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, challenges, and daily tasks involved in the role at HMP Huntercombe. This will help you answer questions more effectively and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
As communication is a key assessment area, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated or influenced others, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Decision-Making Ability
Be ready to discuss scenarios where you had to make effective decisions under pressure. Think about times when you had to weigh options and consider the consequences of your actions, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
Familiarise yourself with the format of the online assessment centre. Practice any numerical or judgement tests that may be included. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and help you perform better during the assessments.