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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage the safety and rehabilitation of women in a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Styal, a leading institution focused on women's rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical and fitness assessments, and meet nationality requirements.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 £ per year.
Overview
Prison Officer – HMP Styal
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Manchester
Region: North West
Vacancy type: Merit
This vacancy is open to female applicants only as an occupational requirement exception under Sch 9 of the Equality Act 2010. This post is not open to male applicants.
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
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).
- You will then be invited to provide a written response to three behaviour-based questions. We will explore your understanding of the prison officer role in a women’s prisons and why you are interested in the role.
- Once you’ve successfully completed the online assessment centre and written responses and we’ve offered you a role, 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.
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.
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 = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances that are applicable to the role/location.
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 one 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 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm)
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
Applying for reasonable adjustment support. Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need it.
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202508: Prison Officer - HMP Styal 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 Styal
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role of a prison officer. Research what it’s like to work in a women’s prison and think about how your skills match up. This will help you stand out during the online assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! They can be tricky, so find some sample questions online and give them a go. The better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to take them.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get to the online assessment centre, be yourself! Show your passion for the role and how you can contribute to the team. Remember, they’re looking for genuine candidates who care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Styal
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 motivations for wanting to become a prison officer.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your written responses to the specific role of a prison officer. Highlight your understanding of the job and why you're passionate about working in a women's prison. This will show us that you've done your homework!
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on showcasing skills like communication, decision-making, and caring. These are key traits we look for in a prison officer, so give us examples of how you've demonstrated these in your past experiences.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer at HMP Styal entails. Research the specific challenges and responsibilities of working in a women's prison. This will help you articulate why you're interested in the role and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to answer behaviour-based questions that assess your communication, decision-making, and caring abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills effectively.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
Given the focus on diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a supportive environment for all staff and inmates. Highlight any relevant experiences or training that showcase your understanding of these values.
✨Practice Online Assessments
Since the recruitment process includes online tests, practice similar assessments beforehand. Familiarise yourself with numerical and judgement tests to boost your confidence and improve your chances of passing the initial stages.