At a Glance
- Tasks: Support prison operations, monitor security systems, and assist with visitor access.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, career development, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for progression and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in justice services while developing your career.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above; good IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 27570 - 27570 £ per year.
Location: HMP Ashfield, Bristol
Salary: £27,570 per annum, plus Serco benefits
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
About the Role
HMP Ashfield is a Category C adult male training prison accommodating over 400 prisoners. We are looking for an organised and reliable Operational Support Officer (OSO) to join our team and play a key role in maintaining the safe and secure operation of the establishment. As an Operational Support Officer, you will provide vital operational support across the prison, working closely with Custodial Operations Managers and colleagues to ensure the smooth running of security and administrative functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Operating within the Control Room, monitoring CCTV and radio systems, responding to alarms, and completing associated documentation.
- Conducting routine radio tests, net test calls, and cell call checks.
- Working in the Gatehouse, controlling access for visitors, contractors, and staff, including carrying out vehicle and personnel searches when required.
- Assisting with the escort of vehicles throughout the establishment.
- Allocating and managing Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVC) and associated equipment.
- Providing support within the Command Suite when required.
- Participating in security exercises and contingency planning activities.
- Undertaking any other duties relevant to the Operational Support Officer role.
What You'll Need
Qualifications
- Essential: GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
- Good IT skills.
- Desirable: Knowledge of security procedures.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong communication skills, particularly when liaising with external agencies.
Experience
- Desirable: Experience working within a secure environment or with a similar client group, although this is not essential.
Skills and Attributes
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong organisational and analytical abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A flexible, team-focused approach to work.
- The ability to monitor, review and audit processes and procedures.
- Experience building positive working relationships with external stakeholders and agencies.
- Good report-writing and numerical skills, including the collection and presentation of data.
- Professionalism, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive information.
- A full UK driving licence.
Please note that this role involves shift working and may include nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Why Join Serco?
- Meaningful work: You'll contribute to the delivery of essential justice services, helping to create a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, and prisoners.
- Career opportunities: As a global organisation operating across five key sectors, Serco offers excellent opportunities for development, progression, and new challenges.
- Supportive colleagues: Join a dedicated and diverse team where collaboration, support, and continuous learning are valued.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Supportive and autonomous working environment
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- The opportunity to make a positive impact on public sector services
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions). For support with your application, please contact. Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Operational Support Officer in Pucklechurch 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 Operational Support Officer in Pucklechurch
✨Join Security Community Events
Dive into local security conferences and workshops. These events are goldmines for networking with industry professionals, and they often host recruiters looking for candidates for full-time roles like Operational Support Officer. Plus, you can showcase your passion and familiarity with the latest trends!
✨Connect with Industry Experts
Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to follow and connect with leaders in security services. Engage with their content; it shows your interest and can spark conversations that might lead to job opportunities at companies like Serco Plc. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for insights or informational interviews!
✨Polish Your Online Presence
Make sure your online presence reflects your skills in security services – think certifications, relevant projects, or coursework. Share your expertise through blogs or posts discussing recent trends in security. This will make you stand out to employers searching for full-time Operational Support Officer candidates.
✨Directly Apply to Serco Plc
Don’t forget to apply for the Operational Support Officer role directly through our website! It not only ensures that your application is seen by the right eyes but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for joining Serco Plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Officer in Pucklechurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:When applying for a full-time position in security services, make sure to showcase any relevant certifications you have, like SIA or other security industry qualifications. This adds credibility and shows that you're serious about your career in this field.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In security roles, attention to detail is crucial. Use your CV and cover letter to provide examples of how you’ve noticed and addressed security vulnerabilities or hazards in past jobs. This will help us see your proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just list duties from previous jobs; instead, frame your experiences in a way that relates directly to the role at Serco Plc. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
Share Your Availability and Flexibility:Full-time roles often require a degree of flexibility. Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application, especially if you can work various shifts. This shows us your readiness to adapt to the needs of the role at Serco Plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Plc
✨Know Your Security Protocols
In the security services field, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest security protocols and technologies. Brush up on things like surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response procedures. You'll likely face technical questions, so having a couple of solid scenarios or case studies ready can really impress your interviewers at Serco Plc.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare to showcase your situational awareness skills. You might be put in hypothetical scenarios where you need to assess potential risks or respond to incidents. Practising how you’d handle these situations ahead of time can give you the confidence to articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork & Communication
Since security services often rely on effective teamwork and clear communication, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any instances where you’ve had to relay critical information or work closely with other services – this is key for a role at Serco Plc.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
You can expect a variety of behavioural interview questions focusing on your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Sharing specific examples from previous security roles or related jobs will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and reliability to the team at Serco Plc.
