The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Prison Officer and Youth Justice Worker recruitment – updated Thursday 5th November.
It is our prime focus to keep our staff and applicants as safe as possible throughout the HMPPS recruitment process. Following government guidelines, we are beginning to assess a small number of applicants, based on which prisons are a priority.
To confirm, our Assessment Centres are COVID secure:
- We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with all of the staff who are working at the centre.
- We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures are in line with government guidance.
- We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2 metre distance at all times within the centre.
We hope to increase the number of assessments we can carry out in due course and will keep this page updated as often as we can. Please bear with us while we work hard to do this.
In line with current national restrictions, as an applicant applying to a key worker role, you will be able to attend an assessment centre once invited. This constitutes travel for work purposes.
We are moving to a fully virtual solution to assess our candidates. However, this may not be fully implemented until January 2021. Please see vacancies in your area for more details on whether this option is currently available. For more information on prison officer and youth justice worker recruitment, please read our updated Frequently Asked Questions below.
Is the prison service continuing to recruit?
We are now accepting applications in many of our establishments across the country. Please visit the find a job page to view current vacancies.
I am currently on a merit list. Will this be extended in light of the current situation?
For those candidates that are currently on a reserve/merit list which was due to expire before 30th September 2020, we have received dispensation to extend ARC accreditation to 31st December 2020. Should a role become available during this time we will contact you to discuss further.
When will I be able to attend my assessment?
Following government guidelines, we are beginning to assess applicants, based on which prisons are a priority. We hope to increase the number of assessments in due course.
If you have not yet been contacted with an assessment date, we will be in touch soon with your new the offer of a date.
Do I need to wear a face mask to my assessment?
Yes. In line with the latest Government guidelines, please bring a face covering to wear to at your assessment day.
I have accepted a formal offer but I am waiting for my vetting. How long do I have to wait?
We intend to continue with your pre-employment checks, so that we can welcome you on board at the earliest possible opportunity.
