General Information
Business Unit
Woodhill
Date published
06-Feb-2025
Working time
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Closing date
20-Feb-2025
Location
Milton Keynes
Civil Service Grade
AO
Job ID
2737
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives.
If you have the integrity, skills and strength of character we’re looking for, this fast-paced role could be the start of a successful career.
Address
HMP Woodhill, V2 Tattenhoe St, Milton Keynes MK4 4DA
Salary
£35,948 - £40,041
City / Town
Milton Keynes
Region
South East
Vacancy Type
Merit
Due to the security status of this prison a Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) will need to be undertaken. Proof that you have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years is needed to complete the CTC vetting process. Applicants who do not meet the residency requirement will not be able to take up post at this prison.
Someone like you
There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our officers come from different walks of life, just like the offenders they work with. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, have worked in retail, the armed forces, or just feel like you’re a natural people person, you’ll have the empathy, self-confidence, great communication skills and resilience we want. No matter the challenge, you’ll take the time to build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who could be at the lowest point in their lives.
Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment, so you’ll need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and understand the importance of acting as one team to keep the prison, and everyone who works safe.
You will be required to work various shifts and some weekends.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. One minute you’re a peacekeeper, the next you’re a counsellor or a teacher. You’ll work directly with prisoners in a unique environment, helping to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Job details
Eligibility
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
* be at least 18 years old at the point you commence employment
* meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
* pass a medical and fitness assessment as part of the application process
* meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
* have a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
Whilst tattoos are permitted, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
Due to the security status of this prison a Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) will need to be undertaken. Proof that you have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years is needed to complete the CTC vetting process.
Travel to Work
Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options; therefore, a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role. Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with settled or pre-settled status
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS
Essential skills
You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important. You need to show:
* communication and influencing skills
* commitment to quality
* effective decision-making
* care and understanding
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 = £35,948 a year
* 39 hours a week = £37,994 a year
* 41 hours a week = £40,041 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances that are applicable to the role/location.
Prisons operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means you will have to cover various shift patterns that will include evenings, some nights, weekends and public holidays.
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
Assessment Process
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths and abilities you need to become an effective prison officer:
* communicating and influencing
* managing a quality service
* making effective decisions
* caring
Online Tests
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 expected of a prison officer.
If you are successful, we will invite you to the stage 2 online test (task-based assessment).
The online assessment centre (OAC)
On successful completion of the online tests, we will invite you to an online assessment centre where we test to see if you have the abilities, behaviours and strengths to be a prison officer.
High security prisons requiring CTC vetting
If your application is successful, you will need to undergo and clear pre-employment checks. This will include His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Enhanced Level 2 vetting.
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.
Operational Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC) will also determine your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade OSG.
Medical and Fitness
Once we identify a vacancy for you, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Reasonable adjustment support
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to ensuring that everyone can demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities.
Before completing online tests or attending an online assessment centre, it is essential to arrange reasonable adjustment support.
Allowance Details
Please refer to additional job description attachment.
Additional Information
If you require any assistance, please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm) or e-mail MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference 2737.
The jobholder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Closing date: 20th February 2025
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