r/PrisonUK

I got 45% in the PO OAC assessment. I was unsuccessful for PO. However, they said in email my scores successful for OSG and within a couple of days will get offer. I can see the allocation word in my application. Any idea about OSG sponsorship in the old transitional route?

Hi all

Apologies for another post on this but I am just trying to make sure I understand everything fully and give myself the best possible chance of being accepted.

I have a poorish credit rating, no ccjs but some defaults, all currently in payment plans with companies and payments managed fine. When would I disclose this so they know the situation and that I’m okay and not under financial pressure?

Hi all, going through the application stages and hopefully I am lucky enough to progress.

Just wondered if anyone could explain to me what the shift patterns may look like? It says 9 days in 14 but is that 9 straight or time off in between? What are the hour patterns as well please from anyone with experienc?

With the government announcing plans today to phase out terrestrial TV (Freeview/DTT) and move everything to streaming/internet-based TV within the next decade, I’m wondering how this is going to work in prisons in regards to prisoners watching television with the lack of Internet in prison

I have just completed my values based assessment and wondered when I should expect the results?

The email just says we will be in touch shortly but is that a day or a week!

A family member has been sentenced to prison. I have written them a letter but have no idea how long it will take them to receive it. How soon realistically am I going to hear back?

Hey everyone ! So I’ve been waiting 13 weeks and keep getting the may take longer than 24 weeks etc etc.

I have passed the OAC, Annex A, Occupational health declaration thing, Medical and fitness test. Accepted the conditional offer, filled in the uniform sheets, I am also a British national.

I’m still just a bit nervous because I have seen posts where people are waiting 42 weeks and still not heard anything back? I turn 18 next month so I’m sort of hoping they are just holding off giving me a start date because of my age but I’m also not able to login to the portal; it says that there is no account on my email but it’s the email that I keep getting the no reply emails from so I’m not sure what to make of it

Thanks in advance

Im interested in doing this in the future I just have a few concerns that may have already ruled me out of the line of work.

Im currently 37. Shoplifting caution at 15, cannabis possession caution at 21, nothing since.

No debts

My eyesight isn’t great, is the test strict for this? Without my glasses it’s like Im underwater unless things are very close lol.

Anxiety and depression in the past on medical record.

Also how do you go through the recruitment process? I’ve seen some say it can take over a year, but im working at the moment & can’t afford to quit. Do you not start the training etc u till you’re guaranteed a job?

Im sure Im forgetting something

Also what are your experiences with assaults on staff? This is probably my biggest concern

Thanks

Completed my OAC last week, received email to say I’d passed on the Friday how long does it take to recieve the job offer? Already in the job and in process of a transfer

I'm honestly tired... checks for this long? I keep calling and emailing, they get back and say that its still ongoing and they will contact me if they need anything. I am yet to receive 2nd DBS though. I am honestly drained and don't know what to think yet, I really want this Job as a P.O

Note that sponsorship is equally required, could this be the reason? I honestly dont know what to think again.

I’ve had a email saying checks have passed just a face to Face ID check anyone know how long this takes and how long after this till I get the phone call to discuss start date or what comes first order etc ? 13 weeks and 3 days it took.

My brother is in jail and he is saying he can get an Xbox one

Just wanna check and see if you can get actually get one in jail he wants me to pay for it which I’m fine with, I know you can get a 360

Also if he gets moved jail after his sentencing will he be able to take it with him

A lot of staff still say the POA is “just an expensive diary,” but honestly, until you actually need representation, support, or someone willing to challenge management on your behalf, you don’t really see what goes on behind the scenes.

In prisons right now, staff are dealing with assaults, constant staff shortages, mental health crises, violence and pressure to keep regimes running no matter what the staffing looks like.

Most of the stuff reps deal with never gets seen publicly:

Supporting staff in investigations and discipline cases
Sitting in sickness/FARM meetings
Helping after assaults at work
Raising health & safety concerns
Challenging unsafe staffing levels and RMP issues
Supporting witnesses, not just subjects of investigations
Answering the phone to support a member day or night (I’ve personally been on holiday and answered the phone to members to support them!)
Fighting for better working conditions locally

At branch level, a lot of reps are doing this alongside their normal prison job, often unpaid and in their own time.

The POA is also the only recognised trade union for prison staff alongside the Prison Governors’ Association, which means it has a direct voice in discussions around staffing, regimes, safety, profiling, and working conditions within prisons.

Whether people agree with every decision the union makes or not, prisons without staff representation would be a far worse place to work.

You only really notice the value of a union when something goes wrong. And in this job, eventually something usually does.

If you work in a prison and want to look into joining:
POA Join Page

I have my fitness test booked for tomorrow in Manchester at 9am. However tried logging onto the candidate portal to confirm the location and have noticed once you book there is none. No confirmation email or anywhere to check on the portal? I believe it to be the 127 Army Reserve Centre if memory serves correctly. Has anyone else completed the test there or is that not the correct location?

Anyone here work or previously worked at HMP Hull recently. I’ll be starting there fairly soon so would be good to get some insight from current or former PO there.