Operational Support Grade (OSG) – HMP Berwyn (Prison Support Role) | £30,491 per Year | 8 Permanent Vacancies
Looking for a stable UK Government career with excellent benefits and no formal qualifications required? HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is recruiting Operational Support Grades (OSGs) to join HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, North Wales.
This permanent Civil Service role offers a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, comprehensive training, flexible working options, and opportunities for career progression.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Operational Support Grade (OSG) – Prison Support Role
- Reference Number: 469470
- Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
- Location: HMP Berwyn, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Bridge Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9QE, Wales
- Salary: £30,491 per year
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Job Grade: Administrative Assistant
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working, Job Share
- Working Hours: Average of 37 hours per week
- Vacancies: 8
- Application Deadline: 23 July 2026 (11:55 PM)
About the Role
Operational Support Grades play a vital role in ensuring prisons operate safely and efficiently. This physically active role involves a variety of operational, security, and support duties. While some tasks involve working with prisoners, many focus on maintaining the day-to-day operations of the prison.
Full training is provided, making this an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin a rewarding career with the UK Civil Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage secure entry and exit points
- Search staff, visitors, prisoners, and vehicles
- Escort contractors and visitors around the prison
- Operate prison radio systems
- Monitor CCTV and report security incidents
- Issue and collect staff keys and radios
- Patrol prison grounds and perimeter fences
- Welcome and assist visitors
- Process prisoner property and admissions
- Monitor incoming mail and identify prohibited items
- Assist prison officers with prisoner movements
- Deliver and collect food trolleys
- Collect official mail from sorting offices
- Monitor prisoner telephone systems
- Complete operational records and reports
- Support emergency response procedures
- Carry out overnight security duties
Eligibility Requirements
No formal qualifications are required.
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills
- Sound judgement
- Responsibility and reliability
- Teamwork
- Ability to work in a secure environment
- Physical fitness for standing, walking, lifting, and carrying
- Flexibility to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays
A driving licence is helpful because of the prison’s location but is not essential.
Salary and Working Hours
- Salary: £30,491 per year
- Includes a 20% unsocial hours allowance
- Average 37-hour working week
- Rotating shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays
Benefits
Employees enjoy an excellent Civil Service benefits package, including:
- Civil Service Pension with a 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
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Career progression opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Retail discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Flexible working opportunities
- Inclusive and supportive working environment
Recruitment Process
The selection process includes:
- Online application.
- Values-Based Assessment.
- Behaviour and experience-based interview.
- Placement on a merit list for up to 12 months if successful.
Behaviours Assessed
Candidates will be assessed on:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
- Caring
Strengths will also be assessed during the interview.
Security and Eligibility Checks
Successful candidates must complete:
- Criminal record checks
- Medical assessment
- Government security clearance
- Identity verification
Applicants must also meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
Why Join HMPPS?
This role offers long-term job security, excellent government benefits, structured career progression, and the opportunity to contribute to the safe and effective running of one of the UK’s largest prisons.
How to Apply
Submit your online application before 23 July 2026 at 11:55 PM (UK time).