When thinking about roles in the Prison Service, a Business Administrator is probably not the first that comes to mind. Meet Eleanor, a Business Admin who started the role when she was 18 years old. Currently at HMP/YOI Isis, she works in the Business Hub. The role of a Business Administrator has always fascinated her as her parents worked in the Prison Service. Read on to hear more about Eleanor’s journey to becoming a Business Administrator. Eleanor’s expectation vs reality When asked if she had any misconceptions of the role before starting, Eleanor said that she doesn’t think she did “bec ..read more

As we're hiring for approved premises workers, we caught up with Cynthia who has been busy working in an approved premises in the Southwest region over the Christmas and New Year period. She reflects on the unique challenges and rewards of her role in supporting offenders, especially during the festive season.   Cynthia, you’ve been very busy over the festive season, working Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years’ Eve- how do you balance your work schedule with your personal commitments?  I am also a carer for my godmother and am mindful that I will be working over the holiday pe ..read more

We find out what it is like to work in approved premises over the festive period, and the rewarding nature of the work. We spoke to Kim, a business manager for approved premises in the South West region. With over 20 years of experience in probation, Kim's journey from being a case administrator to her current role has been marked by a keen interest in the operational side and a commitment to supporting offenders' rehabilitation and prospects. She reflects on the complex yet fulfilling nature of her role, especially during the festive season.  What are the biggest challenges you face wor ..read more

From crafting mosaics to creating better futures  Being in the Civil Service for 15 years, Myra didn’t quite start her journey like most do. It was her love for mosaics which created her destiny in the Prison Service. Why did you join the Prison Service?  I didn't join the Prison Service through a job ad. I was out in the community doing mosaics as a community artist. I came in to do a project at a Cat A prison. The Muslim community had put together a lump sum of money for this project in order to create an ‘Islamic Garden’ for the prison so during family visits they could sit aroun ..read more

Every day, HM Prison and Probation staff deliver brilliant work that helps keep our communities safe. We asked probation services officer, Jim, to tell us about his extraordinary work with offenders to support them, help reduce reoffending and protect the public. Can you explain the role of a probation services officer? We maintain regular contact with offenders on probation to give them any help that we can – helping with rehabilitation and transitioning to life outside prison, and just being a support system for them as they readjust to normal life. By doing this, our ultimate aim is that t ..read more

Growing up as an ethnic minority from a deprived neighbourhood, Leroy didn’t see a place for himself in today’s society. That was until he joined the Prison Service. As a prison officer, Leroy feels he now has a purpose - every day, when he puts on his uniform, he's representing and influencing positive change. Prison officer, Leroy, is part of the furniture now at HMP Leyhill, guiding hundreds of prisoners through their day-to-day life at the category D prison in Gloucestershire. But Leroy admits his life could easily have gone another way. His mother spent time in prison, and he was raised ..read more

Growing up as person of an ethnic minority community from a deprived neighbourhood, Leroy didn’t see a place for himself in today’s society. That was until he joined the Prison Service. As a prison officer, Leroy feels he now has a purpose - everyday when he puts on his uniform, he's representing and influencing positive change. Prison officer, Leroy, is part of the furniture now at HMP Leyhill, guiding hundreds of prisoners through their day-to-day life at the category D prison in Gloucestershire. But Leroy admits his life could easily have gone another way. His mother spent time in prison ..read more

Throughout October we will be covering Black History Month, sharing stories from those inside the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). We spoke to HMP Whitemoor’s Kenneth 'Ken' Tangie about his career journey with HMPPS. Ken taught French and English in Cameroon before studying a PHD in educational research at Cambridge University while working with young people with challenging behaviours. But Ken wanted a more stable career after deciding to start a family. After finishing his PHD and publishing a book, Ken wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives and use his teaching skills t ..read more

Applying to be a prison officer? Read this handy guide to our online assessment centre process so you know what to expect. The online assessment centre (OAC) is a key stage of the application process to be a prison officer. While you don’t need specific experience, qualifications or education, the OAC assesses whether you have the necessary abilities, behaviours and strengths needed for the role. As it’s online, you can complete it from the comfort of your own home and all you’ll need is a laptop/PC with a webcam. Accessing the OAC Once you’ve successfully completed the first 2 stages of the ..read more

Having started out as a chef in the Army, Darren has carved out a career for himself in prison catering. Now a catering manager at HMP Lewes, he tells us what it’s like working in a prison kitchen and what he enjoys about his work. Working as a caterer in the Prison Service is similar to working as an Army chef. We work in big, commercial sized kitchens preparing meals for large numbers of people. And there’s no difference between cooking meals for prisoners and Armed Forces personnel – if they don’t like your food, they’ll soon let you know! When I first left the Army, after serving for nearl ..read more