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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a prison officer and engage in diverse roles every day.
- Company: Join HMP Ford, a key player in the UK justice system.
- 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+, meet health standards, and have lived in the UK for 3 years.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 £ per year.
HMP Ford, Ford Road, Arundel BN18 0BX
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Ford
Region: West Sussex
Vacancy type: Merit
Job Overview
An extraordinary job. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Assessment Process
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
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 covering an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood‑pressure check.
Requirements
- 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 (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
- tattoos must not be deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable 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.
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
Job Offers & Merit List
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 OAC will also assess 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
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
Complaints and Appeals
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
202511: Prison Officer - HMP Ford in Arundel employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202511: Prison Officer - HMP Ford in Arundel
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the assessment process! Knowing what to expect during the online tests and the assessment centre can give you a real edge. Brush up on your communication skills and decision-making abilities, as these are key areas they'll be looking at.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Take some time to do mock assessments or practice tests online. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when it comes to the real deal. Plus, it’s a great way to identify any areas you might need to work on.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to current or former prison officers to get insights about their experiences. They can provide valuable tips and maybe even help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and resources that can help you throughout the recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace 202511: Prison Officer - HMP Ford in Arundel
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 what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of a prison officer. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show you can communicate effectively, manage a quality service, and make sound decisions.
Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check all your details. Typos and errors can make a bad impression, so take a moment to ensure everything is accurate and polished.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, challenges, and the unique environment of HMP Ford. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as conflict resolution or managing difficult behaviour. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a prison officer, strong communication skills are crucial. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Use examples from past experiences where you successfully influenced others or managed a quality service to highlight this skill.
✨Be Ready for the Assessment Centre
If you pass the initial stages, you'll be invited to an online assessment centre. Prepare by practising judgement and numerical skills tests. Familiarise yourself with the format of the assessments and ensure you’re comfortable with the tasks you’ll be asked to complete.