Working in the Prison and Probation Service – Page 6 – Official advice and guidance for applicants to prison and probation roles, run by the Ministry of Justice

Michael's Journey: From OSG to Account Manager in the Prison Service (Part one)

A photo of Michael with the quote "It was a lot of responsibility, but knowing I was contributing to the safe and smooth running of the prison was extremely satisfying."

Michael's Journey: From OSG to Account Manager in the Prison Service (Part one)

Michael has been with the Prison Service for 21 years, beginning as an operational support grade (OSG) at HMP Rochester. He progressed through various roles, including prison officer, supervising officer, and custodial manager, before moving to HMPPS headquarters as an account manager for the Prison Performance Support Programme. Michael now helps drive improvements across some of the most challenging prison sites.

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Working part-time as a prison officer

Jason, 16 November 2021 - Guest post, Personal stories, Ways of working

As prisons operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, prison officers work shifts. Most work full-time, but some prisons offer part-time working. We caught up with Jason who told us what he likes about working part-time. “I’ve been …

Helping prisoners turn their lives around: the vital role specialist production instructors play

Ministry of Justice, 13 October 2021 - Personal stories, Ways of working

Life inside a prison is about so much more than prisoners moving between their cells and communal areas, and prison officers locking and unlocking doors. There are a whole range of activities underway to help inmates prepare for their release …

“People are often at their lowest when we see them in prison. As probation officers, we can help by giving them the tools to change.”

Adam, 6 September 2021 - Career progression, Guest post, Personal stories, PQiP, Probation, Ways of working

Probation officers don’t only work in the community – they also play a key role in courts and prisons. Adam tells us how his Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) training led to him working at HMP Lincoln, and what his …

From being on probation to working for probation

Alison, 2 September 2021 - Personal stories, Probation

Probation gave Alison the support she needed to break the cycle of reoffending. She now works in the Probation Service, helping offenders turn their life around. Read her inspiring, personal story.

Neurodiversity and the criminal justice system

Laura, 30 July 2021 - Probation

How are neurodivergent offenders supported through the criminal justice system? Probation officer Laura explains.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride in the Prison Service

Officer Rowe, 1 June 2021 - Culture, Personal stories

Gavin Rowe, Equalities Officer spoke to us about beginning his career in the Prison Service as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, his experiences within his role and his aspirations for the future. I would never say that I have …

"I helped a service user escape a situation of modern-day slavery": Harvey's experiences as a probation officer

Harvey, 1 April 2021 - Career progression, Personal stories, PQiP, Probation, Ways of working

Harvey Clarke, a probation officer based in Coventry, spoke to us about his experience on the probation officer trainee programme (PQiP), the best bits of his role and what it’s been like working during the pandemic. What was your route …

National Apprenticeship Week 2021: our new professional Custody and Detention Apprenticeship

Officer Hood, 9 February 2021 - Career progression, Guest post

Anyone who is employed to become a prison officer in England will soon work towards a Level 3 Custody and Detention Apprenticeship qualification to develop specialist skills that will assist them in their role.

My experience as a Residential Worker at an Approved Premises

Cynthia, 28 January 2021 - Personal stories, Probation

Residential Worker Cynthia shares what it’s like to work in an Approved Premises, helping offenders make changes in their behaviour and transition back into the community.

Prison officer Assessment and Recruitment Centres (ARCs) are now online: what you need to know

Recruitment Team, 19 November 2020 - Recruitment advice

From 23 November 2020, we’re launching a new virtual format of our Assessment and Recruitment Centre (ARC). Find out more about the change in this blog post.