Operational Support Grade (Prison Support Role) – HMP Garth | £30,491 Salary | UK Government Job | No Qualifications Required
If you’re looking for a secure UK government job with excellent pay, outstanding benefits, and long-term career opportunities, HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is recruiting Operational Support Grade (OSG) staff at HMP Garth in Leyland, Preston.
This is a permanent position offering a starting salary of £30,491 per year, a generous Civil Service pension, paid training, and opportunities for career progression. No formal qualifications are required, making it an excellent opportunity for applicants seeking a rewarding public service career.
Job Summary
- Job Title: Operational Support Grade (Prison Support Role)
- Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
- Location: HMP Garth, Ulnes Walton Lane, Leyland, Preston PR26 8NE
- Salary: £30,491 per year
- Job Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working, Job Share
- Hours: Average of 37 hours per week
- Vacancies: 6
- Closing Date: 9 July 2026 (11:55 PM)
About the Role
Operational Support Grade (OSG) staff play an important role in ensuring prisons operate safely, securely, and efficiently. This is a varied, active role involving both security duties and operational support across different areas of the prison.
Although some duties involve working around prisoners, many responsibilities focus on supporting prison operations, maintaining security, and assisting prison staff.
The role involves regular walking, standing for extended periods, lifting and carrying equipment, and working both independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
As an Operational Support Grade, your duties may include:
- Controlling entry and exit points for staff, visitors, and contractors.
- Carrying out security searches of people, vehicles, and property.
- Patrolling prison grounds and perimeter fences.
- Issuing and collecting staff keys and radios.
- Monitoring CCTV and prison radio communications.
- Welcoming and assisting visitors.
- Escorting visitors and contractors around the prison.
- Monitoring incoming mail and identifying prohibited items.
- Processing prisoner property and parcels.
- Photographing prisoners during reception procedures.
- Supporting prison officers with prisoner movements.
- Delivering and collecting food trolleys around the prison.
- Collecting official mail from local sorting offices.
- Monitoring prisoner PIN telephone systems.
- Completing records and reports accurately.
- Responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
- Carrying out security checks and prisoner counts during night shifts.
Who Can Apply?
No formal qualifications are required.
The ideal candidate should have:
- Good communication skills.
- Sound judgement and common sense.
- A responsible and reliable attitude.
- Ability to work well within a team.
- Confidence following procedures.
- Physical fitness to undertake an active role.
- Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
A driving licence is beneficial because some prisons have limited public transport, but it is not essential unless specified.
Salary
Successful applicants will receive:
£30,491 per year
This salary includes a 20% Unsocial Hours Working Allowance for evening, weekend, and night shifts.
Working Hours
Employees work an average of 37 hours per week on a rolling shift pattern that includes:
- Day shifts
- Evening shifts
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Bank and Public Holidays
Shift patterns vary depending on operational requirements.
Benefits
Working for HM Prison & Probation Service comes with an excellent benefits package, including:
- Competitive annual salary of £30,491.
- Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years.
- 9 bank, public, and privilege holidays.
- Paid Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Retail discounts.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Season Ticket Loan.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Extensive learning and development programmes.
- Career progression opportunities within the Civil Service.
- Inclusive and supportive working environment.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process consists of several stages:
Stage 1 – Online Application
Complete the online application form with your personal information.
Stage 2 – Values-Based Assessment
Applicants complete an online assessment designed to measure behaviours and values required for the role.
The assessment usually takes around 20 minutes, although there is no time limit.
Stage 3 – Interview
Successful applicants will attend a behaviour-based interview where they will be assessed against the Civil Service Success Profiles.
The interview will assess:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
- Caring
- Personal Strengths
Essential Information
- Accommodation is not provided.
- No previous prison experience is required.
- Full training is provided.
- Successful applicants must pass security and identity checks.
- External recruits will complete a six-month probation period.
Why Join HM Prison & Probation Service?
Working as an Operational Support Grade offers the opportunity to make a real contribution to public safety while enjoying stable employment, excellent pay, comprehensive training, and one of the UK’s best public sector pension schemes.
Whether you’re starting your career, changing professions, or seeking long-term job security, this role provides an excellent pathway into the Civil Service.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application before the closing date.
Application Deadline: 9 July 2026 (11:55 PM)