Operational Support

Operational Support Grade – HMP Highpoint

Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
Location: HMP Highpoint, Stradishall, Newmarket, CB8 9YG
Salary: £30,491 per year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working and job share available
Hours: Average 37 hours per week
Vacancies: 8
Job grade: Administrative Assistant
Reference: 483744
Closing date: 15 October 2026 at 11:55 pm

About the Role

HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting Operational Support Grades (OSGs) to join the prison support team at HMP Highpoint.

This is an active role involving a range of practical and physical duties that help keep the prison operating safely and smoothly. The work can include lifting and carrying, standing and walking for extended periods, and periods of lone working.

You will not necessarily have regular contact with prisoners, depending on the duties and area of the prison. Full training is provided, with support from the wider team.

Key Duties

Depending on your assigned duties, you may be responsible for:

• Managing the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors and vehicles.
• Searching staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles.
• Escorting vehicles and contractors around the prison.
• Issuing and collecting keys and radios.
• Patrolling and searching perimeter fence areas.
• Operating the prison radio system and monitoring CCTV.
• Welcoming and, where necessary, escorting visitors.
• Monitoring and logging incoming correspondence and reporting contraband.
• Carrying out night duties, including checking that cell doors are locked and prisoners are accounted for.
• Photographing prisoners and processing property and parcels.
• Supervising prisoners when required.
• Helping escort prisoners around the prison.
• Delivering and collecting food trollies.
• Carrying out some driving duties, including collecting mail from the local sorting office.
• Monitoring the prison PIN phone system and maintaining relevant records.
• Following national and local policies and responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

No Qualifications Required

You do not need formal qualifications to apply for this role.

HMPPS says the position requires good judgement, common sense, responsibility and teamwork.

Full induction and training are provided, with opportunities for further training and development.

Working Hours

The role averages 37 hours per week and involves a rolling shift pattern.

This can include:

• Night shifts
• Evening shifts
• Weekend shifts
• Bank and public holidays

The frequency of night shifts varies by establishment and can be discussed at interview.

Part-time, flexible and job-sharing arrangements will also be considered where they meet operational requirements.

Salary and Benefits

The salary is £30,491 per year based on a 37-hour working week and includes a 20% unsocial-hours allowance.

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service, pro rata.
• 9 days of bank, public and privilege holidays.
• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Season ticket advance/loan options.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Staff networks and inclusion support.
• Training in areas including equality and diversity, challenging behaviour, suicide prevention and anti-bullying.
• Individual induction and security training.

Transport and Location

HMP Highpoint is located in Stradishall, Newmarket, CB8 9YG, in a rural area where public transport options may be limited.

A driving licence and access to your own transport are beneficial but not essential, unless otherwise specified.

Shift start and finish times are fixed, so applicants should consider how they will travel to and from the prison.

Accommodation is not provided.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

The advert does not state that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for this vacancy.

The Civil Service nationality requirements apply. The role is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, certain Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, qualifying EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and certain other groups listed in the official advert.

Applicants should therefore check their existing UK right-to-work and Civil Service eligibility before applying.

Application Process

The recruitment process includes:

1. Application form
Complete the online application and provide your personal details and required evidence.

2. Online values-based assessment
Applicants who apply will receive instructions for an online values-based assessment. The assessment typically takes around 20 minutes if completed in one sitting, although there is no time limit.

3. Interview
Candidates who pass the initial assessment stage will be invited to an interview.

The interview will assess behaviours, experience and strengths.

The advertised behaviours include:

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

Strengths will also be assessed, but these are not provided in advance.

Merit List

This is a merit vacancy.

Successful candidates at interview will be placed on a merit list according to their assessment scores. Job offers will be made as positions become available.

Candidates can remain on the merit list for up to 12 months.

Security and Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks, which can include:

• Enhanced or equivalent criminal record checks.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks.
• Medical assessment.
• Security and identity checks.

External candidates are subject to a six-month probationary period.

Reasonable Adjustments

HMPPS is a Disability Confident employer and provides reasonable adjustment support for candidates who need it.

Applicants requiring adjustments should indicate this on the application form and arrange support before completing online assessments or attending an interview.

Important Dates

Closing date: 15 October 2026 at 11:55 pm
Interview date: To be confirmed

How to Apply

Applications are made online through the official HMPPS recruitment website.

Original vacancy: Civil Service Jobs / HM Prison & Probation Service

Applicants should review the full official advert and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

Source: Civil Service Jobs / HM Prison & Probation Service