Prison Support Role - HMP Huntercombe

Role overview

At HMP Huntercombe, the Operational Support Grade helps keep day-to-day prison operations organised, secure, and moving efficiently. This is an active, practical role that blends office-based tasks with hands-on work across the site.

What the job involves

You may be involved in gate security and searches, handling deliveries, overseeing visitor movements, and checking phone activity and CCTV. The role can also include physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and walking to escort vehicles around the prison grounds.

Transport and shift expectations

This prison is in a rural area with limited public transport, so having a driving licence and your own transport is helpful, though not always mandatory unless specifically stated. Shift start and finish times are fixed, and you must be able to arrive and leave on time for every shift.

Driving licence requirement

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

Who this role suits

No formal qualifications are needed. The ideal candidate communicates well, stays composed under pressure, uses sound judgement and common sense, and works effectively as part of a team.

Shift pattern

You will be expected to work a range of shifts, including nights and weekends.

Career development

This role offers a chance to build practical knowledge of how a prison operates and may open the door to other prison service roles, including the possibility of applying for the OSG-to-Prison Officer conversion scheme.

Training and benefits

You will receive training and opportunities to develop your career. Alongside base pay, the package includes 25 days of annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 days after 10 years of service on a pro-rata basis, plus 9 days of bank, public, and privilege holidays. Other benefits include access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service, the Civil Service pension scheme, season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Employer

This position is with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.