Location
London - Your location preference will be captured on the online application form and you may select up to three prison locations. Some locations require higher-level vetting checks (Counter Terrorist Check) which may extend the vetting process. Travel to work can be challenging as some prisons are in rural areas with limited public transport; a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but not essential unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so punctuality is required. Accommodation is not provided.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week on a rolling shift pattern including nights, evenings, weekends, and Bank/Public holidays. The frequency of night shifts varies by establishment and will be discussed at interview.

Salary
£29,432 - £35,483 dependent on location. Inner London: £35,483, Outer London: £33,411, Other locations: £29,432. Salary includes a 20% unsocial hours allowance reflecting night, evening, and weekend work.

About the Role
Advance into Justice is a recruitment scheme supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans, spouses, legal partners, and reservists into operational roles within HM Prison & Probation Service. Successful applicants will be offered a 2-year fixed-term appointment with the option to convert to permanent after 12 months, subject to approval.

As an Operational Support Grade (OSG), you will be part of the prison support team performing a variety of physical and active tasks to help keep the prison running smoothly and safely. Duties include gate duties such as securing entry and exit of staff, visitors, and vehicles; conducting searches; patrolling and monitoring the prison site; operating control room equipment including radios and CCTV; welcoming and escorting visitors; managing correspondence and mail; supervising prisoners; delivering food; driving duties such as collecting mail; monitoring the prison phone system; and following procedures and protocols to respond to incidents and emergencies.

This role involves physical activity including lifting, carrying, standing, walking, and occasional lone working on day and night shifts. You will receive full training and be supported by a dedicated team. The role requires good judgement, common sense, responsibility, and teamwork rather than formal qualifications.

Additional benefits include 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro-rata), 9 days bank/public/privilege holidays, access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service, Civil Service pension scheme, season ticket loans, retail discounts, Employee Assistance Programme, and Cycle to Work scheme.

Experience
No formal experience or qualifications are required. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are essential.

About you
You should be physically fit to carry out active duties including lifting, standing, walking, and lone working. Good judgement, common sense, responsibility, and the ability to work as part of a team are vital. A full clean UK driving licence is beneficial but not essential. You must be able to communicate confidently in English (or Welsh where specified). Tattoos are permitted but must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.

Qualifications
No qualifications are required to apply. Successful candidates will undergo full training and induction. You must be able to pass security and identity checks including enhanced vetting and Counter Terrorist Check (CTC). Proof of UK residency for the last 3 years is required for vetting purposes.