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- Tasks: Support and manage the safety and rehabilitation of women in a prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Styal, a vital part of the UK justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 £ per year.
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
Overview
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.
Qualifications
- 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
- Tattoos are permitted except those that are offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating. Facial tattoos generally not accepted unless 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
Job offers
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.
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202510: 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 202510: 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 experiences align with the skills they’re looking for, like communication and decision-making.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! They’re a big part of the recruitment process. Find sample questions online and get comfortable with the types of judgement and numerical skills they’ll be assessing.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get to the online assessment centre, be yourself! Show them your passion for the role and how you can contribute to a positive environment in the prison. Authenticity goes a long way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to stay updated on your application status and any new opportunities that pop up. We’re here to help you land that job!
We think you need these skills to ace 202510: Prison Officer - HMP Styal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role: Before you start your application, take some time to really understand what being a prison officer at HMP Styal involves. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the role and have thought about how you can contribute to the team.
Be Yourself: When answering those behaviour-based questions, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We’re looking for authenticity, so share your experiences and how they relate to the skills we need. It’s all about showing us who you are.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure your written responses are tailored to the specific questions asked. We want to see clear examples of how you’ve demonstrated the key skills like communication and decision-making in your past experiences. Keep it relevant!
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, making it super easy for you.
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 entails, especially in a women's prison. Research the specific challenges and responsibilities that come with the role at HMP Styal, so you can speak confidently about why you're interested in this position.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since the interview will include behaviour-based questions, think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in communication, decision-making, and caring. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Values
HMP Styal is looking for candidates who can manage a quality service and influence others positively. Be ready to discuss your values and how they align with the mission of the prison service. Highlight any relevant experiences where you've had to care for others or manage difficult situations.
✨Stay Calm and Professional
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to stay calm and professional throughout the process. Practice deep breathing techniques before your interview, and remember to listen carefully to the questions being asked. This will help you respond thoughtfully and show your suitability for the role.