Prison Support - HMP Huntercombe

Role overview

This position is for an Operational Support Grade at HMP Huntercombe, where you will contribute to the smooth daily operation of the establishment. The post is varied and active, mixing office-based duties with hands-on work such as carrying items, moving around the prison grounds, and assisting with escorting vehicles.

What the job involves

• Supporting security checks and searches at the gate.
• Handling incoming deliveries and coordinating their movement.
• Overseeing visitors while they are in the prison.
• Observing phone usage and CCTV feeds as part of routine monitoring.
• Completing a combination of desk work and physical tasks.
• Walking across the site and helping escort vehicles when required.

Working pattern and location considerations

This role is based in a prison that may be in a rural area with limited public transport. A driving licence and access to your own transport may be helpful, though they are not always mandatory unless specifically stated. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so punctual travel arrangements are essential. The post includes a mix of day, night, and weekend shifts.

Driving licence requirement

Applicants must hold a full and valid UK driving licence that includes category D1. This category allows driving vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, and a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.

Who this role suits

No formal qualifications are needed. The role is well suited to someone who communicates clearly, stays calm when pressure rises, uses common sense and sound judgement, and works well as part of a team. It is also a good starting point for someone looking to build a career in the prison service.

Career development

This role offers exposure to how a prison operates on a day-to-day basis and can open the door to other prison service roles, including the opportunity to move toward prison officer progression routes through conversion schemes where available.

Pay and benefits

The base salary for this post is £29,432. In addition, the role includes training and development opportunities, progression potential, and a package of public-sector benefits.

Additional leave and benefits

• 25 days of annual leave when you start, rising to 30 days after 10 years of service, calculated pro rata.
• 9 days of bank, public, and privilege holidays.
• Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Membership of the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Season ticket loan support.
• Retail discount offers.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Extra information

The employer describes this as an unusual and meaningful role that helps protect the public and supports work that has a real impact on lives within the prison system.