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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage individuals in a women's prison, ensuring safety and rehabilitation.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and make a difference in the justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital role that impacts lives and promotes positive change.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical assessments, and demonstrate strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Prison Officer – HMP Styal
Styal Rd, Wilmslow SK9 4HR
Starting salary £35,875 (for a 39 hour week in 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Manchester
Region: North West
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visa in accordance with the current immigration rules.
Assessment Criteria
- 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 an online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass, you will be invited to an online assessment centre (OAC). After the OAC, you will be asked to provide a written response to three behaviour‑based questions regarding your understanding of the prison officer role in a women’s prison and why you are interested in the role. Upon successful completion of the assessment centre and written responses, and if offered a role, you will be invited to complete a medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing, basic health screening, including a blood pressure check).
Eligibility
- 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
- Meet a suitable standard of hearing for safety reasons
- Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons. Visible tattoos are permitted provided they are not deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way.
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 correspond to 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 may be applicable to the role/location. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39‑hour 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 (OSG) role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC) also determines 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 offer you an alternative role as an OSG.
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 – merely tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need it.
202601: 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 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Styal
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Dive into what being a prison officer really means, especially in a women's prison. Understanding the nuances will help you shine during the online assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those judgement and numerical skills! There are loads of resources out there to help you prep for the online test. We want you to ace it, so don’t skip this step!
✨Tip Number 3
When it comes to the behaviour-based questions, be honest and personal. Share your genuine interest in the role and how your experiences align with the responsibilities of a prison officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: 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 and how you connect with the role of a prison officer. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for making a difference.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your written responses to the specific questions about the prison officer role. Highlight your understanding of working in a women’s prison and why this role excites you. We love seeing applicants who really get what we’re about!
Showcase Your Skills: Use the assessment criteria as a guide to showcase your skills in communicating, managing quality service, and making effective decisions. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate these abilities, so think of relevant experiences you can share.
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, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on putting your best foot forward.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of 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 and how you can contribute.
✨Prepare for Behaviour-Based Questions
Since you'll need to answer behaviour-based questions, think of specific 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 responses clearly and effectively.
✨Practice Your Online Assessment Skills
The online test will assess your judgement and numerical skills, so it’s wise to practice beforehand. Look for sample tests or resources that can help you brush up on these skills, ensuring you feel confident and prepared when the time comes.
✨Stay Fit and Healthy
Since passing the medical and fitness assessment is crucial, start preparing early. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine and maintain a healthy diet. This not only helps you pass the tests but also shows your commitment to the physical demands of the job.
