At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rehabilitation efforts and ensure safety within a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free gym access, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a good educational background in English and Maths.
The predicted salary is between 27570 - 27570 £ per year.
HMP Fosse Way is a Category C rehabilitation prison in Leicestershire. HMP Fosse Way will house 1,715 prisoners and focus on the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration back into society. At the core of our prison environment and ensuring we operate effectively and efficiently are our Operational Support team. Whether you are working on security gate, prison visits, escorting prisoners, staff and contractors or undertaking administrative & communications support roles, you’ll find that being an Operational Support Officer is more than just a job; it’s the chance to be a part of something greater; join a work family where you are valued and the work you do makes a difference every day.
In addition to a sense of job satisfaction, we also offer:
- Starting salary of £27,570 per annum, plus Serco benefits
- Free onsite parking
- Subsidised meals whilst on duty
- Access to and free use of the prison gym facilities
- Pension match up to 6%
- 28 days leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Full training provided, you’ll complete in-depth training with the opportunity to shadow experienced staff, giving you a real taste of life on the job.
- Perks including Blue Light cards and further employee discounts across hundreds of high street shops for fashion, hospitality, attractions, holidays, electronics, and gaming supplies and much more
- Access to career long learning and development opportunities
- The chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Job stability & job security, with career development pathways for you to transition to becoming a Prison Officer or further to Supervisory or Operational Management level roles.
The Prison is open all year round, 24/7 and whilst you’ll need to be flexible to cover various shift patterns, we do operate on a rota basis (a year in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off to do the things you love.
What you will need to do the role:
You should have great communication skills and a good educational level in English and Maths as report writing and numerical abilities are a key part of the role. We are ideally looking for candidates who have experience working within a vehicle-related sector, outdoor work environments, or roles that involve regular walking or physical activity. Examples of suitable backgrounds include:
- Vehicle inspection, transport, logistics, or recovery work
- Outdoor operational roles
- Roles involving consistent walking or movement
- Parcel sorting or delivery positions
- Any job where candidates are used to being on their feet, working outdoors, and managing physical tasks
Why Serco:
- Meaningful and vital work - The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters – delivering essential services that touch people’s lives
- A world of opportunity - Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You’ll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
- Great people - We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You’ll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.
What else do you need to know?
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks and approval by the Home Office. You will be required to obtain Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 Vetting.
About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.
By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
For help with your application please contact j&. At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on j& to discuss.
Prison Support Officer - Operations employer: Serco Plc
As an HGV Driver with us in Stowmarket, you will join a supportive and dynamic team that values your contributions and prioritises your well-being. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a work-life balance that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for growth and development, you can build a rewarding career in a company that truly cares about its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Support Officer - Operations
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Serco Plc, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Serco Plc and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support Officer - Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Serco Plc and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Plc
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Serco Plc, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Serco Plc.