Training

As you'd expect, there is a lot of basic training you'll need to do before you can begin your career as a Prison Officer. You'll start with an eight-week training course designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and values needed to become a confident Prison Officer. We call this Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT).

POELT is shared between home establishments and a training venue. This could be the Prison Service College (PSC) at Newbold Revel, Rugby, or one of the local POELT training centres. Here's how you'll be spending those eight weeks.

Week 1 - Establishment induction:

You'll complete a formal induction programme at your home establishment. The purpose of this week is workplace familiarisation and to meet your line manager and colleagues.

Weeks 2, 3 and 4 - PSC Newbold Revel, or local training centre:

This period combines classroom-based learning, practical training and team-building exercises. You'll be assessed throughout to identify your progress and development needs, with a written exam to confirm your learning at the end of this phase. You will also need to complete your fitness test during your training programme (see below).

Week 5 - Establishment-based week:

This important element gives you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues and workplace. Supported by your training manager, you'll meet set objectives, some of which are detailed below:

Meet Healthcare staff to discuss local healthcare issues
Under supervision, take part in rub down and full searching
Meet the Diversity Officer to discuss local roles and procedures
Under supervision, take part in cell searching and Accommodation Fabric Checks
Observe the prisoner adjudication process
Lock and unlock cell doors under supervision

Weeks 6, 7 and 8 - PSC Newbold Revel, or local training centre:

This period consolidates earlier learning and provides you with new skills and knowledge through realistic prison-based scenarios. Classroom work continues, with more practical assessments including C&R (Control & Restraint), with a second exam to pass. A graduation ceremony is held on the last Friday morning.

Throughout the eight-week course, your knowledge, skills and attitude are continuously assessed through a range of techniques. There are a number of practical tests including C&R and searching techniques and two written exams. These exams form part of the overall assessment and are not a stand-alone measure of ability. Overall performance forms the basis of your end of course report.

Custodial Care NVQ (CCNVQ) Level 3

All newly recruited Prison Officers will also be required to satisfactorily complete CCNVQ with their probationary period. This will give you the satisfaction of a formal qualification as well as increasing your confidence to carry out your role effectively.