Operational Support

Operational Support Grade (OSG) – HMP Hollesley Bay

Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
Salary: £30,491 per annum
Location: HMP Hollesley Bay, Woodbridge, Ipswich, East of England, IP12 3JW
Contract: Permanent
Job Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working and Job Share
Hours: Average of 37 hours per week
Vacancies: 8
Job Grade: Administrative Assistant
Reference Number: 489833
Job ID: 24132
Closing Date: 26 November 2026 at 11:55 pm
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert. Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.

About the Role

HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting eight Operational Support Grade (OSG) staff members to join the team at HMP Hollesley Bay.

This is an active and varied prison support role, helping to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the prison. You will undertake a range of duties, including security checks, reception activities, monitoring CCTV, supporting visitors and assisting with the movement of prisoners and supplies.

The role involves physical activities such as lifting, carrying, standing and walking for extended periods. Some duties will involve working alone, including during day and night shifts.

Full training and support will be provided, and you will work alongside an experienced team.

No formal qualifications are required for this position.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties may include:

• Gate Duties: Managing the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors and vehicles, conducting searches, issuing keys and radios, and patrolling prison perimeter areas.
• Control Room: Operating prison radio systems, monitoring CCTV and reporting suspicious activities.
• Visitor Services: Welcoming visitors and escorting them around the prison when required.
• Correspondence: Monitoring and recording incoming mail and reporting prohibited items.
• Night Duties: Ensuring cell doors are secured and prisoners are safely accounted for.
• Reception Duties: Photographing prisoners and processing their personal property and parcels.
• Prisoner Supervision: Assisting with prisoner movements, escorting prisoners and handling clothing and property exchanges.
• Food Delivery: Delivering and collecting food trolleys around the prison.
• Driving Duties: Collecting mail from local sorting offices, which may involve lifting heavy sacks.
• Telephone Monitoring: Monitoring prisoner telephone systems and maintaining relevant records.
• Security and Safety: Following national and local procedures and responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

Requirements

You do not need formal qualifications or previous prison experience to apply.

The successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Good judgement and common sense.
• A responsible and reliable approach to work.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• The ability to follow instructions and security procedures.
• Confidence in handling a range of practical and physical duties.
• The ability to work different shifts, including nights, evenings and weekends.
• Confidence communicating in spoken English.

A driving licence and access to personal transport would be beneficial because the prison is in a rural location with limited public transport. However, these are not essential requirements.

Please note: Accommodation is not provided.

Working Hours and Shift Pattern

The position offers an average of 37 hours per week, including:

• Day and night shifts.
• Evening shifts.
• Weekends.
• Bank and public holidays.

Staff work on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts varies depending on the establishment and can be discussed during the interview.

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

The salary of £30,491 includes a 20% unsocial hours allowance.

Salary and Benefits

The successful candidates will receive:

• Annual salary of £30,491.
• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service.
• 9 days of bank, public and privilege holidays.
• Season ticket advance loans.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Staff support and employee networks.
• Opportunities for career progression and promotion.
• Training in security, equality and diversity, challenging behaviour, suicide prevention and anti-bullying.

Training and Development

HMPPS provides an induction programme and ongoing training to help staff develop the skills required for prison support work.

Training opportunities include security procedures, equality and diversity, dealing with challenging behaviour and suicide prevention.

There may also be opportunities to progress into other roles within the prison service.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment process consists of the following stages:

1. Online Application

Applicants must complete the online application form and provide their personal details.

2. Values-Based Assessment

Candidates will receive an email with instructions for completing an online values-based assessment.

The assessment takes approximately 20 minutes when completed in one sitting, although there is no time limit.

Applicants who were unsuccessful at the online test stage within the previous six months can now reapply and complete the new assessment.

3. Interview

Candidates who pass the online assessment will be invited to an interview.

The interview will assess behaviours, experience and strengths.

The behaviours include:

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

4. Merit List and Job Offers

Successful candidates will be placed on a merit list according to their interview scores.

Job offers will be made as vacancies become available, starting with the highest-scoring candidates.

The merit list will remain valid for 12 months.

Important Information

• Successful candidates must complete enhanced criminal record and security checks.
• A medical assessment will be required.
• External candidates will be subject to a six-month probationary period.
• Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality and eligibility requirements.
• The position must be carried out in the UK; overseas working is not permitted.
• Applications for reasonable adjustments are available for candidates who need additional support during the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official HM Prison & Probation Service recruitment portal.

Application Deadline: 26 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Contact Information

For recruitment enquiries:

Email: Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Telephone: 0845 241 5358