And there are no set qualifications required. The news is out, HMP Gartree in Market Harborough has begun to make plans to hire new Prison Officers on a starting salary of £24,000.
New Year New Salary?
HMP Gartree is a category B prison in Gartree, Leicestershire. It opened in 1965, and the prison has a capacity of 708 inmates. And they are now looking to recruit new Prison Officers, and it has been added that the qualifications for the role, are not exactly a must. It has been said that applicants will continue to go through the same assessments and vetting process. And the requirements for the new role are not what you think.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is seeking people who can demonstrate good communication and influencing skills, commitment to quality, effective decision-making, care and understanding.
“Training is available throughout a prison officer’s career. Officers can choose to specialise in working with vulnerable prisoners, become a dog handler or train as a physical education instructor.”
“The role offers a starting salary of £24,118 (for a 39-hour week including 17% unsocial) and a Civil Service pension.“
There’s no such thing as a typical Prison Officer
In an interview, Babafemi Dada, Governor of HMP Gartree, said “There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer or a typical day as one, but at the end of the day we’re all here because we want to help rehabilitate offenders and keep the public protected.
“The role can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and there’s no shortage of support and guidance here at Gartree.
The prison had been under fire after investigations deemed the prison unfit for its purpose back in 2019, this had been put down to staff shortages which then created problems within the prison.
However, the training and support now being given by the prison and Governors should start to see a beneficial change for the prison and inmates. During an interview Babafemi Dada continued with “This is a fantastic opportunity to join the team and start a new career, one where you can grow, develop and progress, all while making a real difference.”
As part of the key worker scheme, officers are responsible for supporting the rehabilitation of a small group of offenders.
