https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/

The Recruitment Assessment Day (RAD) is changing to the Assessment & Recruitment Centre (ARC)

Recruitment Team, 15 October 2018 - Recruitment advice

We’re constantly improving our recruitment process so we can make it more efficient and effective for our applicants. We're changing the Recruitment Assessment Days, also known as RAD, to the Assessment & Recruitment Centre (ARC).

This will only affect new applicants who’ve applied from the 15 October 2018. Anyone who has applied before this date will still be invited to a RAD once they’ve passed the initial online tests.

Some things will remain the same, as the ARC will still assess whether you have the abilities, behaviours, strengths and fitness to become an effective prison officer.

This blog post will outline the most important changes from the RAD to the ARC.

What should I expect at the Assessment & Recruitment Centre?

The ARC will begin with an introductory briefing session where you’ll be given information about the day - this is your chance to ask any questions you may have. There will also be a debrief at the end of the day for any remaining questions and for you to have the chance to feedback on your experience.

The ARC will be roughly broken down into the following assessments:

•      Medical Assessment (15 minutes)
•      Fitness Test (30 minutes)
•      English Test (30 minutes)
•      Numeracy Test (5 minutes)
•      Role plays (35 minutes)
•      Interview (30 minutes)

What changes are happening?

Introducing an interview

We’re now introducing a one-on-one interview at the ARC. This is a strengths-based interview and will last for 30 minutes.

We want to know why you want to be a prison officer, what your strengths are and what interests you, rather than assessing your past-experiences. We’ll also assess your ability to speak and understand English as this is a Government requirement in public-facing jobs.

Receiving your results

Previously, it could take up to 5 days for you to receive your RAD results. Now, you’ll know whether or not you’ve been successful or unsuccessful at the end of the assessment day.

You’ll then be emailed with a breakdown of your results in due course.

Ordering your uniform

We actually get asked about uniform a lot on this blog. Before, you’d only order your uniform nearer your start date. Now, you’ll fill out your uniform form at the ARC because you find out immediately whether or not you’ve been successful or unsuccessful on the day.

This also gives you the chance to ask the assessment staff any questions you may have about uniform.

How do I prepare for the interview?

No specific preparation is required, but you might find it helpful to consider why you would like to be a prison officer and reflect on your strengths before attending the ARC. We’re interested in finding out what motivates you to work in the prison service.

What should I bring with me to the ARC?

You’ll need to bring the following documents with you on the day of your ARC:

•      Proof of right to work
•      Proof of ID
•      Proof of address
•      Completed pre-fitness health questionnaire

Please refer to your invite email for guidance on which documents are acceptable. This will help to ensure that your pre-employment checks are completed as quickly as possible, if you’re allocated to a vacancy.

Please note that if you’ve applied under a merit recruitment campaign, your documentation will be checked, but you will not progress through to pre-employment checks until you’ve been allocated to a vacancy. For more information on merit campaigns, take a look at our vetting blog post.

Will I still have to do a medical assessment?

You’ll still be required to take part in a medical assessment carried out by a trained nurse to check that you’re safely able to take part in the fitness test during the ARC. The medical assessment will involve an eye test, a hearing test and a basic health screening (including blood pressure check). This is the first part of a two-stage health screening.

The second stage is an online health questionnaire which, depending on your responses, could lead to either a face-to-face or telephone appointment to discuss any disclosed medical conditions.

What happens if I fail the ARC?

If you are unsuccessful at your ARC and would still like to become a prison officer, you'll need to wait 6 months before you can reapply for the same or a different prison.

You'd might also like to take a look at other roles within HMPPS, such as the operational support grade job, where you’d play a crucial part in keeping prisons safe and running smoothly.

For more information on the ARC, please go to our recruitment website.

You may also be interested in:

• How to prepare for the RAD (Recruitment Assessment Day)

Tags: ARC, guidance, HMPPS, interview, prison officer, RAD, test

Share this page

• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Email

84 comments

1. Andrew Codling 15 October 2018

   I’d be interested to know whether if you hold a current RAD pass whether it’s now invalid and you’d now need to attend an ARC or whether the RAD is still valid for the 12 months for any new vacancies?

   Link to this comment

   • Helena 17 October 2018

     Hi Andrew,

     Your current RAD accreditation is still valid for 12 months. The change from RAD to ARC will only affect you if you make a new application to become a prison officer

     Thanks, Helena

     Link to this comment

     • Syed 07 November 2018

       Hi Helena,

       I passed my RAD in July 2018 and I applied for a prison closer to home on 7 November 2018. Would I be able to transfer my RAD over for this or would I need to do the ARC as the communication which I’ve received from Shared Service is that there isn’t enough spaces for me to take the ARC currently.
       Please can you advise?
       Thank you
       Syed

       Link to this comment

       • Helena 09 November 2018

         Hi Syed,

         You can transfer a live RAD accreditation to a new prison application (if you’ve applied after 15 October, which you have) and have passed the online test for the new application. This means if you’ve passed the test, you won’t need to complete another ARC.

         However, can I please ask for more information? Have you been offered and accepted a job offer from your July RAD, or are you on a merit list?

         Thanks, Helena

         Link to this comment

         • Syed 21 November 2018

           Hi Helena,

           I am currently on a merit list for two prison officer positions at two establishments.

           Regards,

           Syed

           Link to this comment

         • Helena 27 November 2018

           Hi Syed,

           Thanks for providing us with more information. You can mirror your RAD results over to your new ARC, without having to attend another ARC. You’ll then need to wait to see if you’re given an offer to either of the prison officer job applications.

           Thanks, Helena

           Link to this comment

2. Shannon 17 October 2018

   Hello
   Due to the changes would you still possibly be able to transfer your RAD results as you would have been able to previously or would you have to go through the ARC?
   I’m curious as now there doesn’t seem to be anymore RAD tests how will it be possible to be successful if all new vacancies will be assessed under ARC and you can’t transfer your RAD.
   It seems as if all previous candidates who have passed RAD like myself have to remain on the merit list and if any vacancies come up we will have to go through an assessment day again. Slightly unfair.

   Thanks

   Link to this comment

   • Helena 09 November 2018

     Hi Shannon,
     Apologies for the delay in responding. You’ll only need to go through another assessment day (ARC) if your RAD accreditation expires after 12 months whilst on the merit list.

     We’ve answered a similar question here - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/#comment-1307

     Thanks, Helena

     Link to this comment

3. Olivia 19 October 2018

   I applied and scheduled my assessment day before October 15th and my assessment day is on 21st October, does that mean I will be attending the RAD rather than the ARC?

   Link to this comment

   • Helena 26 October 2018

     Hi Olivia,

     As you’ve booked your assessment centre before 15 October, you’ll be completing the RAD. Those who have applied and booked their assessment centre after the 15 October will then complete an ARC rather than a RAD.

     Thanks, Helena

     Link to this comment

4. Allana 26 October 2018

   Hi,

   Can you confirm if the distance required to run for the bleep test is 20m and not 15m?

   Thanks
   Allana

   Link to this comment

   • Emily 05 November 2018

     Hi Allana,

     At the ARC the bleep test will still require reaching level 5.4, which is 525 metres between the two markers that are placed 15 metres apart (as per the practise videos).

     Emily

     Link to this comment

5. Joseph Houghton 29 October 2018

   Hi,

   I have passed the RAD back in July, do I still need to do the ARC? I have applied for a new Prison Officer Job should I do the ARC as well.

   Link to this comment

   • Emily 05 November 2018

     Hi Joseph,

     Any live RAD accreditations can be mirrored across to an ARC, as long as you've completed the online test for the new job application.

     Thanks

     Emily

     Link to this comment

6. Perry 30 October 2018

   Hi.
   I passed the online test a couple of days ago and received an email saying that I have passed but there is no space at the recruitment center, followed by a message saying thank you for your application.
   Does this mean that I’ll have to re-apply further down the line? There are many PO jobs still listed on the recruitment page.

   Thanks
   Perry

   Link to this comment

   • Emily 05 November 2018

     Hi Perry

     We've answered a similar question here: https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/#comment-1321

     Link to this comment

7. Sam 02 November 2018

   Hi. I passed my online tests and was told there are no open spaces available for ARC at this time, here is the email they sent.
   We are pleased to inform that you have successfully passed the Online Test.

   Due to a large number of applications, there are currently no open spaces available for the Assessment and Recruitment Centre (ARC) at this time.

   We are currently looking to increase the number of available slots in the near future and will be in touch as soon spaces become available.

   We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your interest in the prison service.

   Will they defiantly contact me to schedule a day or am I clinging onto false hope?

   Link to this comment

   • Emily 05 November 2018

     Hi Sam

     As you have passed the online test you will be contacted to take part in the next step of the assessment process.

     Unfortunately I cannot guarantee when this may be - but please keep an eye out on your emails.

     Thanks

     Emily

     Link to this comment

8. Bryan 05 November 2018

   Would being on blood thinning medication prevent my passing a medical?

   Link to this comment

   • Emily 05 November 2018

     Hi Bryan

     We've answered a similar question here - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2017/12/13/how-to-prepare-for-the-rad-recruitment-assessment-day/#comment-1326

     Thanks
     Emily

     Link to this comment

9. Allana 07 November 2018

   HI,

   As i am travelling from overseas do i need to provide a copy of my health records and bring them with me so they are available at the ARC?
   Thanks

   Link to this comment

   • Helena 13 November 2018

     Hi Allana,

     Yes, as part of your email invite to ARC you’ll be told what documents you’ll need to bring on the day. Please make sure you bring all these documents along with you.

     If you’ve lived or have been living overseas for more than 6 months in the past 3 years you’ll also need to provide an overseas police check if you’re successful.

     Thanks, Helena

     Link to this comment

10. Maria 08 November 2018

    I would like check, do I still need to provide right to the evidence even if I live and work in UK for 11 years, I now after 5 years you are treated as permanent resident, I wouldn't want to take the tests before I am sure that I got all the documents needed.
    Many thanks Maria

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 27 November 2018

      Hi Maria

      Yes, every single applicant is required to provide evidence of their right to work when asked.

      If you’re invited to an ARC you’ll be asked to provide documents - please see the above blog post for more details https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

11. Rob 13 November 2018

    Hi does anyone know what the pass mark is on the exercises please. Once you have been to the arc centre. Please could you advise me

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 10 December 2018

      Hi Rob,

      I’m afraid I can’t discuss specific scores about your ARC on this public blog. If you’ve failed the fitness test you’ll be invited back to try again. If you’ve failed any other element of the ARC you’ll need to wait 6 months before reapplying.

      Please keep an eye on both the recruitment portal and emails.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

12. Ian Skillcorn 15 November 2018

    Hi
    Hope you can help I am trying to download the pdf for the medical form to take with me to my ARC but the link isn't working.

    Thanks
    Ian Skillcorn

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 27 November 2018

      Hi Ian,

      Please check your emails as I believe a medical form has been sent to you directly.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

13. Rik 27 November 2018

    I've passed my online assessments and am now waiting for a date for ARC. What is the rough waiting time for this assessment? I got to request the time off from my current job to attend just want to be ready for it!
    I appreciate that Christmas is coming up and its going to be delayed for this reason.

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 10 December 2018

      Hi Rik,

      You’ll be given a selection of dates and locations for the ARC, so you can book onto a day that best suits you. Please keep an eye out on your emails and portal for information on when to book your ARC.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

14. Bogdan 07 December 2018

    Hello ,

    Did somebody know when the new available dates will come up at ARC. I passed my test online on 5th November , emailed to recruitment office 2 times and they don’t know nothing.
    I believe due to Christmas period will start from January onwards ?

    Many thanks
    Bogdan

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 10 December 2018

      Hi Bogdan,

      It’s likely that you’ll be invited to attend your ARC after Christmas. New dates will become available soon so please keep an eye on both your portal and emails.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

      • Bogdan 10 December 2018

        Thank you very much Helena for your answer and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

        Link to this comment

15. Robert 11 December 2018

    Can you use a calculator for the Numeracy Test at the ARC?

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 14 December 2018

      Hi Robert,

      Yes, you’ll be able to use a calculator for the Numeracy Test.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

16. Samd 11 December 2018

    I attended my ARC a few weeks back and was lucky enough to of passed, I was emailed my score but was just wondering if any body knows what the score is out of/ maximum score?

    I just want to know as i am now on a merit list but without knowing what my score is out of I cant workout where abouts I would be on the list.

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 14 December 2018

      Hi Sam,

      We’ve answered a similar question about scores here - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/#comment-1453

      Your place depends on the performance of other candidates so I’m afraid you’re not able to find out your position on the merit list.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

      • Sam Darvill 14 December 2018

        I understand i wont be able to see where i am on the merit list but what I was wondering is anyone knew what the score is out of? Ive been giben my result but can see what it is out of so i have no idea if it is a good or bad score.

        Thank you
        Sam

        Link to this comment

        • Helena 20 December 2018

          Hi Sam,

          This information is not provided for the numeracy or literacy tests. However, for the situational judgement tests, these are scored out of 100.

          Thanks, Helena

          Link to this comment

17. Sarah 14 December 2018

    Is the only assessment centre Manchester now? Is Newbold no longer an option?

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 20 December 2018

      Hi Sarah,

      Please review our FAQs blog post where we explain how POELT courses are assigned. POELT places are based on availability - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

18. Valerie 15 December 2018

    I think, like Samd, most of us who have passed our Arc, now have no idea of the scoring system, so are unable to work out if we have completed the tasks well.
    If we knew what the scores actually meant, it would be helpful; are you marked on the individual strengths (I believe there are 7) or is the overall score just out of 100 and therefore a percentage?

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 20 December 2018

      Hi Valerie,

      We’ve provided an answer to this, please see here: https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/#comment-1476

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

19. shivon upton 02 January 2019

    where are the ARC centres located

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 04 January 2019

      Hi Shivon,

      We have assessment and recruitment centres across the whole of the UK.

      The location you’re taking your ARC might not necessary be the same location you do your POELT. For both ARC and POELT we have to allocate people to the spaces we have available, but we always try to take into consideration your location, the prison you’ve applied to and your personal circumstances.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

20. Bogdan 03 January 2019

    Happy New Year

    Now that New Year has gone , do someone knows when the ARC dates will be available ?

    Many thanks

    Bogdan

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 04 January 2019

      Happy New Year Bogdan,

      We’ve answered a similar question here - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/#comment-1501

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

21. shivon upton 04 January 2019

    A FRIEND OF MINE WAS CALLED TO AN ASSESSMENT but it was in Manchester, he lives in Warwickshire and he could not afford to travel that far as he is in receipt of benefits, I wondered if there were assessment centres nearer to him that he could attend?? The vacancy he was interested in was in Redditch/Bromsgrove prison

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 21 January 2019

      Hi Shivon,

      Your friend is able to claim back travel expenses, please tell him to contact the prison he’s applied to for more details.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

22. Kishan 05 January 2019

    Hi,

    Are you allowed taking notes with you on the day?

    Kind Regards

    Kishan

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 29 January 2019

      Hi Kishan,

      I've looked into this for you and no I’m afraid you won’t be able to bring notes in with you to the ARC.

      Thanks,

      Emily

      Link to this comment

23. Vincent 08 January 2019

    Hi Helena,

    I noticed in previous comments that you have said we should receive a choice of dates and locations for our ARC day. I received a selection of dates but only at York which is a 268 mile round trip. Is there a process where I can apply for a closer venue?

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 21 January 2019

      Hi Vincent,

      We’ve answered a similar question - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2017/12/13/an-introduction-to-poelt-prison-officer-entry-level-training/#comment-1448

      Also here - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/15/the-recruitment-assessment-day-rad-is-changing-to-the-assessment-recruitment-centre-arc/#comment-1536

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

24. Bogdan 15 January 2019

    Hi again ,

    We are on 15th January and still no updates regarding the ARC available dates.
    Did someone has some new information.
    Passed my test on 5th November . Received answer on this blog it will be soon , after Christmas, but nothing atm.

    How long is it take ?

    Many thanks

    Bogdan

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 21 January 2019

      Hi Bogdan,

      We’ve answered a similar question here - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/#comment-1518

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

25. Stacey 17 January 2019

    Hi.

    What is the pass mark for the ARC? I am aware the scoring system is out of 100 however; could you confirm what the pass mark is out of 100?

    Regards.

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 29 January 2019

      Hi Stacey

      I've answered a similar question here: https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/#comment-1542

      thanks

      Emily

      Link to this comment

26. Chintan 06 February 2019

    I saw a vacancy online as a prison officer and I excitingly applied for the position. And I was asked to take online test. I wondered how effective response is because that was very quick. I started doing research of assesment and interviews. I passed the test way before deadline finishes. But after the test,2 months ago, I received an email saying there is not any any slots available in the assesment centre. I wondered if that vacancy was ever existed really. I know alot of other candidates are on Merit and waiting for the vacancy. But do you still advertise the position even knowing it can be filled up by candidates on merit. Bit difficult to understand.

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 07 February 2019

      Hi Chintan,

      The online test is the first step in the application process. Please see this website for a breakdown on the application process: https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/prison-officer/tips-for-applying/

      It explains that you'll receive your test results immediately.

      If successful, the next stage in the process is being invited to the Assessment & Recruitment Centre (ARC). However, we are currently experiencing a lot of applications so there is currently a delay in offering candidates a place in the ARC.

      The ARC is not the same as a vacancy - it's the next stage in the assessment - so please keep an eye out on your emails as you'll be notified as soon as a slot for the ARC becomes available.

      We do run ongoing recruitment in prisons where we need to maintain a merit list to meet our recruitment requirements. Please refer to this blog post as it explains more: https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/

      Link to this comment

27. Jason 06 February 2019

    Hi,

    Today I have unfortunately been informed that yesterdays recent attendance at the ARC was unsuccessful. Your blog article above seems to be inaccurate in relation to what really occurs:-

    BLOG ARTICLE
    Receiving your results
    Previously, it could take up to 5 days for you to receive your RAD results. Now, you’ll know whether or not you’ve been successful or unsuccessful at the end of the assessment day.

    REALITY
    This is not true, results were given the following day.

    BLOG ARTICLE
    You’ll then be emailed with a breakdown of your results in due course.

    REALITY
    This is not true, have been informed that it is not possible to receive feedback on the reason for failure.

    Blog also states you can reapply in 6 months but what is the point if you don't know why you failed in the first place?

    Also, there seems to be a lack of knowledge around the ARC process in general. A lot of answers to questions on this blog and other areas of this website contain answers along the lines of not knowing the answer.

    In relation to a specific question about the pass mark , in fact one in your top 10
    (https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/#comment-1542)

    A section of the answer
    "I'm afraid we also don't know what the average score or the pass mark is for the ARC"

    I hope someone somewhere knows the pass mark as somehow people are passing or failing on some form of measurement.

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 11 February 2019

      Hi Jason

      Thanks for your comment, and I’m sorry to hear of your news.

      Candidates are meant to receive their results on the same day of their ARC. However, for a variety of reasons there may be the occasion where this isn’t always possible. If so, we do aim to provide results soon after.

      You are right in that candidates are not given individual feedback and you won’t be told specifically if you’ve failed a role play or the interview, as the scores aren’t calculated in that way. But, you should receive a table with your scores from the assessment via email (which is what we mean when we say you’ll be emailed with a breakdown of your scores) – can you please confirm if you’ve received this email?

      HMPPS recruitment team do indeed have information on candidates’ scores and know the pass mark but I’m afraid as blog moderators we do not have this information. But, HMPPS recruitment are currently working on improving this system so candidates can get a more personalised breakdown of their performance at the ARC.

      Thanks for your feedback, it’s valuable to us and it helps us improve the recruitment process.

      Thanks

      Emily

      Link to this comment

28. Kat 07 February 2019

    I have my ARC training shortly. I live far away from the training centre and will have to get train, tube and over night hotel. Can I claim my travel back through expenses?

    Many thanks.

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 22 February 2019

      Hi Kat,

      Yes, you’ll be able to claim expenses on your travel, please contact your Assessment and Recruitment Centre (ARC) to find out how.

      I’m afraid you won’t be able to claim expenses for a hotel.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

29. E McCann 10 February 2019

    I passed my RAD day at Newbold Revel last May, but was then told there were no vacancies in the prison that I had originally applied to even though it was this prison advertising in the first place. So I was put on hold and heard nothing, so I applied to another prison and passed online, only to be told I have to redo my ARC day (as it is now known) yet I was originally told that my RAD pass was valid for 12 months. I am now told there are no spaces at the moment to redo it so I am totally frustrated.
    Is this also part of our training? To test our patience!

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 22 February 2019

      Hi,

      We’re very sorry you’re experiencing this. Your RAD accreditation is valid for 12 months, therefore you can transfer this over to your new application rather than having to complete an ARC.

      Please ring the SSCL Recruitment Centre on 0845 241 5358 to transfer your RAD accreditation across.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

30. Kaitlin 14 February 2019

    Hi,
    I completed the old Recruitment Assessment Day in November 2018 and passed. I am aware that that the scores go onto a merit list and so forth. But I have not heard anything since passing. Am I waiting to be given a provisional offer of employment? or is there a step that I am missing.
    Thanks

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 22 February 2019

      Hi Kaitlin,

      Please can I ask if you’ve been told you’re on the merit list for your chosen prison?

      Usually after passing the Recruitment Assessment Day (RAD) you’ll be provided with a provisional offer, depending on the prison you’ve applied for, then you’ll go straight through to your pre-employment checks (vetting) - or you’ll be informed that you’ve been put on a merit list.

      Please check both your emails and recruitment portal.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

      • Kaitlin Harkins 23 February 2019

        I have been told that my details have been put on an accreditation list in the same email that my assessment day results came on but other than that I have heard nothing else. Just worried that I have either missed something or is it just that I need to wait?
        Thanks
        Kaitlin

        Link to this comment

        • Helena 28 February 2019

          Hi Kaitlin,

          Once all applicants have completed their ARC, the prison will then begin to make job offers to those on the merit list once a position becomes available over the 12 months period. So for now, please keep an eye on your recruitment portal and emails.

          Thanks, Helena

          Link to this comment

31. Shelby Grossett 27 February 2019

    Hi Helena

    I passed a RAD last year in Aug and was offered a position that I passed all the security checks but ended up withdrawing that application as a prison closer to home had just started recruiting. I am now on the merit list for the second prison but in the interim the recruiting process went from the RAD to ARC. It has been a few months since being told that I am on the merit list and I haven't heard anything further. Is it possible that having passed RAD and not having done the ARC has dropped my standing on the list.

    Kind regards
    Shelby

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 14 March 2019

      Hi Shelby,

      No, completing a RAD rather than an ARC will not affect your position on the merit list. You can remain on the merit list for up to 12 months, as soon as a vacancy becomes available you’ll be contacted.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

32. Paul 06 March 2019

    Attended Newbold yesterday to complete the fitness and medical assessment which i was unable to complete in York due to lack of facilities. I was given forms to claim back my travel expenses but must of left them at the centre are these held anywhere online and would it possible to get a link to them thanks.

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 05 April 2019

      Hi Paul,

      Sorry for the delay in our response - we’ve been looking into this for you. We’ll send you a new form by email.

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

      • Paul Casey 05 April 2019

        Hi thanks its ok i found it in a different folder a few weeks later and all sorted now.

        Link to this comment

33. Rebecca 13 March 2019

    Hello
    I passed my RAD last may
    I since had a start date for April 15th for my training
    I have had a an email saying I need to redo my fitness test as it will expire during my training, I have booked this the week before I’m due to start
    If I fail this (which hoping I won’t) will I then not be able to start my training on that date?
    Thanks
    Rebecca

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 28 March 2019

      Hi Rebecca,
      You’ll need to pass the fitness test before you start your POELT. If you fail your fitness test then your start date will be delayed. You can fail your fitness test up to a total of 3 times - unfortunately after that you won’t have passed the ARC.
      Thanks, Emily

      Link to this comment

34. Kay Boakes 22 March 2019

    Hi,
    I passed the assessment at the ARC in Manchester on November 18, I have been put on the merit list for 3 prisons in the north of England, I have received a email yesterday saying I am still on the merit list and will be contacted if a vacancy becomes available. I know there was a poelt course started in January so this should of finished by now, does this mean they run courses concurrently and hopefully a position maybe soon

    Thanks Kay

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 28 March 2019

      Hi Kay

      Yes, we run regular POELTS so you don't need to worry about that. Should you receive an offer you'll be invited to book onto the next available POELT course.

      Thanks

      Emily

      Link to this comment

35. Michael Thubron 25 March 2019

    Hi Helena , I passed my RAD may 2018 and I’m on the merit list for HMP Holme house and all the HMP Durham prisons I was just wondering is it normal to wait this long ( nearly 10 months ) or could I still be offered a placement before it runs out again in may? Thanks in advance for any information.

    Link to this comment

    • Emily 28 March 2019

      Hi Michael,

      As per our other posts on the blog, you can remain on the merit list for up to 12 months.

      However, whilst we endeavour to provide job offers I'm afraid it's not guaranteed as it depends on available vacancies and your position on the merit list (the higher your score at the RAD, the higher you are in the merit list).

      As soon as a vacancy becomes available for you, you’ll be contacted so please keep an eye on your email and recruitment portal.

      You can also apply to as many prisons as you like and transfer your RAD results across whilst you wait.

      Thanks, Emily

      Link to this comment

36. Darryl 29 March 2019

    Hi

    I am on a merit system is there a way I can change onto the pass system

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 05 April 2019

      Hi Darryl,

      You’ll need to apply to a prison which is offering vacancies as part of a pass campaign. Please be aware that pass campaigns also have merit lists.

      You can see the difference between a merit list in a merit campaign and a pass campaign in this blog post under question 7: https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

37. Fred Candace 05 April 2019

    HMP Bristol advertised a pass campaign, I passed my ARC only to be offered a merit. Well, that's fair, the annoying thing was that same advert ran again after the former expired for another pass campaign, why is this the case?

    Link to this comment

    • Helena 11 April 2019

      Hi Fred,

      We’ve answered a similar question on our FAQ blog post under question 8 - https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2018/12/10/top-10-faqs-on-prison-officer-recruitment-you-asked-we-answered/

      Thanks, Helena

      Link to this comment

About this blog

Our posts are for those interested in careers within the
prison and probation service.

Find out more.

Sign up and manage updates

• Email
• Atom

Follow us

• Follow us on Twitter

Recent Posts

• 6 top tips to excel in the trainee probation officer programme  October 30, 2024
• Michael's Journey: From OSG to Account Manager in the Prison Service (Part one) October 25, 2024
• Reclaiming Narratives: Black History Month - Insights from Community Payback Supervisor Victoria's 19-Year Career  October 24, 2024

Comments and moderation

Read our guidelines

Choose a category