Lock down a new career by training as a prison or probation officer

WANT to make a real difference to everyone in society? Then training as a prison or probation officer could be for you.

HM Prison and Probation Service is hiring hundreds of prison and probation officers, and operational support grade (OSG) staff, for 90 sites across England and Wales.

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Prison officers are key to keeping jails safe and transforming inmates’ lives, while protecting the public.

OSG staff support the day-to-day running of prisons, with jobs ranging from greeting visitors and lawyers to registering offenders and carrying out security checks. The role can be a stepping stone to a prison officer job.

Salaries in inner London start at £31,728 (£24,118 elsewhere) for prison officers and £24,829 (£20,995 elsewhere) for OSGs.

Jo Farrar, chief executive of HM Prison and Probation Service, said: “Our officers change lives. By working with offenders in custody and in the community, they protect the public and help people get back on the right track.

“This is an opportunity for you to invest in your future. Not only will you learn and develop new skills, you’ll also be part of a supportive, hard-working and highly knowledge-able team.”

‘I wanted to do something more positive’

KATIA switched from telephone salesperson to prison officer. She said of her job at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes: “I wanted a role where I could do something more positive so decided to apply for the prison service.

“The focus of my role is rehabilitation – giving prisoners the skills to prepare for eventually being released. To be a good prison officer you need to have good people skills. You need to be able to communicate effectively.

“It’s also important to be a good team player – this is not a one-person role, you need to work as a team. Strangely, one of the most rewarding feelings is not seeing a prisoner again, because it means you’ve had an impact, they’ve made that change, and are now leading a positive life on the outside.

“For me, this isn’t just a job, it’s a career. You can grow, and progress in the prison service, all while making a real difference to people’s lives.”

OFFICE LIFE, NO STRIFE

ONE in every five workers confesses to having forgotten a colleague’s name since returning to the office, and finds working from home has impacted their small-talk skills, according to recruiters Michael Page.

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos says: “Humans are creatures of habit, so it’s unsurprising that 18 months of working from home during the pandemic has left them feeling daunted by a return to the office.”

Here she shares some of her tips for easing back into office life . . . 

1. DO A DRY RUN OF YOUR COMMUTE: This will refamiliarise you with your old routines and ensure that you have plenty of time when you return.
2. MAKE YOUR DESK SOMEWHERE YOU WANT TO BE: We’ve spent 18 months with all our creature comforts close to hand, so make your desk a comfortable space.
3. PLAN AHEAD: Prepare your first-day-back outfit in advance and write a to-do list so you feel organised.
4. LOOK FOR POSITIVES: Having a physical connection with other people can do wonders for our mental health.
5. TALK TO YOUR MANAGER: Discuss with them any concerns you have for a smooth transition.
6. REMEMBER YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE: Tell a trusted colleague how you are feeling because, chances are, they will have the same fears.

THE JOYS OF FLEX

WHILE many firms are urging staff to return to the office, energy retailer Love Energy Savings is letting staff choose their own location – and hours.

The Bolton-based company’s Flexible-Flexible policy comes as it seeks to double its customer services team.

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The policy has allowed business development executive Andrea Such to fulfil her dream of relocating to a cottage near the Cumbrian coast.

The 50-year-old said: “Having all the tools and support to work from anywhere in the country has made a huge impact on my quality of life.

“Moving to Cumbria has been without doubt the best thing we’ve ever done as a family.”

IT’S SUITE DREAMS

CHECK in to a new career. The staycation boom has seen Hilton Hotels create 1,400 new jobs across the UK. Roles available include as mixologists, beauty therapists, breakfast chefs and house-keepers.

Julie Baker, Hilton’s UK and Ireland Vice-President (Operations) said: “Whether you are looking for better flexibility, career progression or want to embrace something completely new, a career at Hilton can offer a real world of opportunity.

“Our team members sit at the very heart of our business, so we’re focused on creating the best environment, where our they can truly thrive.”