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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Prison Officer, you'll engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support.
- Company: Join HMP Low Newton, a vital part of the UK's justice system focused on rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments; tattoos allowed if non-offensive.
- Other info: This role is open to female applicants only due to occupational requirements.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 £ per year.
Prison Officer – HMP Low Newton
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Durham
Region: North East
Vacancy type: Merit
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.
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
• 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.
• Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is 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
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 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
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants.
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 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm)
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Planand theCivil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Reasonable adjustment support
Applying for reasonable adjustment support. Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need it.
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202508: Prison Officer - HMP Low Newton employer: www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard
Contact Detail:
www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Low Newton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key competencies required for the role, such as communication and decision-making skills. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these abilities, as you'll need to showcase them during the online assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the online tests by practising basic judgement and numerical skills. There are many resources available online that can help you brush up on these skills, so take advantage of them to boost your confidence before the assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Understand the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a prison officer in a women's prison. Research the specific environment and dynamics of HMP Low Newton to articulate your interest and understanding during the behaviour-based questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay physically fit and healthy, as passing the medical and fitness assessment is crucial. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to ensure you're prepared for this part of the recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Low Newton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a prison officer at HMP Low Newton. Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and expectations of working in a women's prison.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the key competencies required for the role, such as communication, decision-making, and caring.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Be ready for the online tests by practising basic judgement and numerical skills. Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during the assessments to increase your chances of passing.
Craft Thoughtful Responses: When answering the behaviour-based questions during the online assessment centre, provide clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your understanding of the prison officer role and your motivation for applying.
How to prepare for a job interview at www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a prison officer does, especially in a women's prison. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of the role, as well as the specific environment at HMP Low Newton.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since you'll be asked behaviour-based questions, think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to communicate, influence, and make effective decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Caring Nature
The role requires a strong sense of care and empathy. Be prepared to discuss how you've shown compassion in previous roles or situations, and how you would apply this in a prison setting.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Working as a prison officer can be stressful. During the interview, convey your ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations. Share examples where you've successfully managed stress or conflict.
