201706: Prison Officer - HMP High Down

Prison Officer - HMP/YOI High Down

HMP/YOI High Down, High Down Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PJ

1. The career: working as a prison officer 

A career as a prison officer is no ordinary job. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference, in a role that protects the public and inspires offenders to change. The work that prison officers do here at HMP High Down in the rehabilitation process is challenging and rewarding. With your integrity, determination and our comprehensive professional training behind you, it’s a role in which you can transform lives – including your own.
Joining our team at HMP High Down, you’ll begin with our 12-week Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT), which starts with a week-long induction, where you’ll meet your new colleagues and learn the routine. After that, further training, usually residential, will help you to develop the interpersonal skills and practical techniques that will prepare you for any situation your new role might present. 
The opportunities for personal growth and promotion at High Down ensure something for everyone. You could, for example, train to work in one of our healthcare units or with vulnerable prisoners, become a physical education officer, dog handler or maybe even a trainer yourself.                            

2. The prison: working at HMP High Down

From day-one, you’ll be part of a hugely supportive team, learning from forward-thinking colleagues in this modern environment. There is a strong sense of community amongst the staff here, because we know that it’s by working together that we can make the most difference.
Creating constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners will be one of the most important and effective parts of your role. That’s why your empathy, self-confidence and great communication skills will be so essential. 

What’s in it for you?

Being a prison officer is a big responsibility. It's only right that we give you the right recognition and rewards for what you do.
That’s why, alongside the attractive starting salary, civil service pension and 25 days’ annual holiday (pro rata), there are many other options and benefits on offer. We want to make sure you receive the rewards you deserve – and the ones that suit you best too.
So, as well as being able to choose between a 39 or 41-hour shift week, you’ll have access to childcare vouchers, a civil service pension, annual season ticket loans, a free gym, a variety of exclusive discounts, and free parking. There’s also the Prison Service Sports Association and a Government funded scheme to help you rent an affordable home to add to that list too.

For more details click on the images on the right hand side of this page.

3. The application process:

Eligibility

You don’t need any formal qualifications to become a prison officer, but there are some key things that we’ll be looking for. You’ll need plenty of common sense, reliability and integrity, good people skills, a strong character and the willingness to take on responsibilities.
You’ll also be expected to take part in our security and identity checks before joining us – and to tell us if you are a member of any group or organisation that does not fit with the Prison Service values of diversity and inclusion. You must have the right to work in the UK as well. 

Application stages

By applying to HMP High Down, you’ll be automatically entered into a new pilot scheme that aims to make the assessment process faster. However, if you’re unsuccessful at any stage of this pilot, you’ll simply be re-entered into the regular recruitment process – so no-one is at a disadvantage.
This pilot aims to look at a quicker recruitment process providing a positive experience for all candidates. The process will consist of:

• An online application form – please complete this in seven days to help keep the process streamlined.
• An online test – once your application has been approved, you’ll be given access to 15 questions with multiple choice answers testing four key skills. It tests your: decision-making; problem-solving; inter-personal skills; and organisational skills.
• A Recruitment Assessment Day (RAD) – if you pass the online test, you’ll be invited to an assessment day. This will consist of an interview, fitness test (which includes a health check), familiarisation tour and vetting. Don’t worry, the RAD is not too onerous and we don’t require you to be an athlete. The first RAD is scheduled for 21st June. They will be held onsite at HMP High Down and we’ll give you guidance on what to expect of the day in advance.

Offer

If you’re successful, you’ll be given a provisional offer at the assessment day. The formal vetting process will begin on the Assessment Day and candidates who pass will continue with that Vetting.
If we have a large number of applicants we may offer you a position in other prisons throughout the Surrey and Sussex group. 

Training

Once you have passed the RAD, you’ll be booked into the 12-week Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) programme. As part of this course, you’ll gain a Level 3 Diploma in the Management and Care of Individuals in the Custodial Environment. This will give you some excellent transferable skills, including a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of working in custodial care, current legislative and organisational requirements and best working practices.