Prison Support Role

20655 – Operational Support Grade (OSG) – HMP Bullingdon (Prison Support Role) | UK Based Applicants Only

Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK
Employer: Ministry of Justice (HM Prison & Probation Service)
Salary: £30,491 per year (includes 20% unsocial hours allowance)
Job Type: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share, Flexible Working
Working Hours: Average of 37 hours per week (rotating day, night, weekend, and public holiday shifts)
Vacancies: 8 Positions
Security Clearance: Enhanced DBS
Application Deadline: 20 August 2026 (11:55 PM)

About the Role

The Ministry of Justice is recruiting Operational Support Grades (OSGs) for HMP Bullingdon in Bicester. This is a physically active role that helps keep the prison operating safely and efficiently.

You will support day-to-day prison operations through a range of practical duties, including security, logistics, administration, and prisoner support. Full training is provided, so no previous prison experience is required.

Salary & Benefits

• £30,491 annual salary
• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days after 10 years)
• 9 Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays
• Civil Service Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Flexible working opportunities
• Ongoing training and career progression

Key Responsibilities

• Manage prison gate security
• Search visitors, vehicles, staff, and prisoners when required
• Patrol prison grounds and perimeter areas
• Operate CCTV and prison radio systems
• Welcome and escort visitors
• Process prisoner property and incoming parcels
• Monitor prison correspondence and report prohibited items
• Support prisoner reception procedures
• Supervise prisoners when required
• Deliver and collect food trolleys
• Assist prison officers with prisoner movement
• Collect prison mail from local sorting offices
• Monitor prisoner telephone (PIN) systems
• Respond to incidents and emergencies
• Follow prison security procedures and policies

Requirements

No formal qualifications are required.

Applicants should have:

• Good judgement
• Strong communication skills
• Teamwork abilities
• Reliability and responsibility
• Ability to perform physical tasks
• Confidence working independently when required
• Willingness to work rotating shifts

A driving licence is beneficial due to the rural location but is not essential.

Working Pattern

• Average of 37 hours per week
• Day, evening, night, weekend, and public holiday shifts
• Rolling shift pattern

Recruitment Process

1. Online application
2. Values-Based Assessment
3. Behaviour and experience-based interview
4. Enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks

Interview behaviours assessed:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Caring

Nationality & Eligibility

Applications are open to eligible candidates, including:

• UK nationals
• Irish nationals
• Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK
• Eligible EU/EEA nationals with appropriate immigration status
• Other applicants with legal permission to work in the UK

Job Summary

Apply Now

Apply before 20 August 2026 to be considered for this Ministry of Justice opportunity.