We are delighted that you have made the decision to return to the prison officer role through our national returners' scheme.
Next steps
As you have passed the medical/fitness assessment and your pre-employment checks are complete, you will now be invited to the start call. It is up to you to decide your start date (which must be on a Monday) but it will need to be at least three weeks after the start date call to give the prison time to prepare for your return.
Induction
You will not need to re-do formal training. On day one a head of function will sit down with you to complete a training needs analysis and then set up a learning path to bring you up to date with current working practices.
We wish you every success in your return to the prison officer role. Please select FAQ's below, to see the full set of frequently asked questions for the prison officer returners’ scheme which includes a mailbox address if you have different question.
Will I need to complete probation again?
You will not need to complete probation again.
Will I need to re-do prison officer training?
You will not need to re-do formal training. Instead, a head of function will sit down with you to complete a training needs analysis and then set up a learning path to bring you up to date with current working practices.
When should I hand my notice in with my current employer?
We advise not to give notice to your current employers until your pre-employment checks have been completed and you have been contacted to arrange a start date.
I am currently employed by MoJ or another government department, do I need to hand in my notice?
No, you must not hand in your notice. You will be transferred across to HMPPS.
Will I have to work nights?
All prison officers are required to work nights, during the evening and at weekends, though this will vary depending on what shift pattern you are assigned to. You will have an opportunity to discuss this once you have been offered a position.
Will I get paid an unsociable work allowance?
Yes, all prison officers have to work unsociable hours as part of their work patterns. You will get paid a 20% unsocial hours allowance for all unsociable hours that you work.
What will I be paid?
You will return on pay point 2. If you are returning as an OGD transfer, it might be pay point 3.
When will I be paid?
You will be paid on the last working weekday of each month. If this falls on a public holiday you will be paid on the previous Friday.
What is the annual leave entitlement?
You have been given a new contract so your leave entitlement will be the same as a new starter ie 25 days annual leave per year plus the public holiday entitlement. Employees who work reduced hours have the same leave entitlement as full-time employees but calculated on a pro rata basis.
Will I be given a new employee number?
Yes, you will be given a new employee number.
Will I need to sign the Official Secrets Act again?
Yes. As a member of staff you are required to protect and exercise care in the use of information acquired during the course of your work. Staff are bound by the provisions of the Official Secrets Act.
What staff benefits will I be entitled to?
On top of your salary and your generous annual leave entitlement, you will have access to a range of Civil Service benefits, including:
- discounted gym memberships (if you work in a prison, you'll have access to a free on-site gym)
- season ticket loans, a cycle-to-work scheme and bike loans to help manage travel costs to your workplace
- reward and recognition vouchers
- retail discounts
- technology and smartphone discounts
What are the current pension scheme contributions?
Through the Alpha pension scheme, you will contribute around 5.45% of your salary and HMPPS will contribute a generous 27.1%. More information can be found at: Home - Civil Service Pension Scheme.
What should I do if I need employee assistance support?
The employee assistance provider (EAP) for HMPPS is PAM Assist. Our EAP offers a wide range of support to staff including confidential advice on personal, social or work-related problems:
- PAM Assist helpline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Tel number: 0800 019 8988
- access to 6 free counselling sessions per year for all MoJ staff (if clinically appropriate)
- access to the EAP website at work or at home, for all staff working in MoJ
- free use of the PAM Assist app - an online wellbeing tool that can be accessed via any electronic device
- You can get telephone or online advice and support on a wide range of topics from bereavement, moving house and managing money; to stress management and trauma support. You will be able to find more information on the HMPPS Intranet once you are in post.
When will I be given a start date?
You will be invited to the start date call once your pre-employment checks are complete and you have passed the medical/fitness assessment. You decide your start date (which must be on a Monday) but it will need to be at least three weeks after the start date call to give the prison time to prepare for your return.
I have been given a full-time contract which says 37 hours, can I increase to 39 or 41?
All new full-time contracts for prison officers are for 37 hours. You can choose to increase to 39 or 41 once in post.
I have been given a part-time or flexible minimum hours contract but have a question relating to it, who do I need to contact?
You can email your question to: PrisonsResourcing-Projects@justice.gov.uk
I have a question relating to my starting salary, who do I need to contact?
You can email your question to: PrisonsResourcing-Projects@justice.gov.uk
I have a prison officer related question that is not included in this FAQ document, what should I do?
You can email your question to: PrisonsResourcing-Projects@justice.gov.uk