Production Instructor - Basic Assembly Workshops at HM Prison Garth

Job Overview

This role, based at HM Prison Garth Industries in Preston (PR26 8NE), is a non-operational position situated within a prison establishment. The incumbent is tasked with supervising and guiding prisoners working in basic assembly and packaging workshops, such as packing fruit, greetings cards, breakfast packs, nuts, and bolts. This position ensures that services maintain high quality standards while preserving security and order at all times. The role does not involve delivering qualifications or formally training prisoners to achieve these qualifications. Occasionally, short-term supervision in specialist workshops may be required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in selecting prisoners suited for workshop participation.
• Introduce prisoners to the workshop environment, covering health and safety, handling hazardous substances (COSHH), machinery, and tool use.
• Support prisoners according to individual learning and training needs.
• Develop work schedules and manage production targets and quality to meet contractual obligations.
• Supervise and control prisoners decently, safely, and securely, overseeing their performance, motivation, discipline, and development.
• Initiate product reviews to sustain workshop output and diversify prisoner experience.
• Contribute to risk and health and safety assessments concerning workshop consumables.
• Secure and properly account for all tools, equipment, and raw materials.
• Conduct metal detector scans or searches of prisoners entering and exiting workshops.
• Provide input for prisoner reports, parole and sentence planning, assessment care in custody & teamwork (ACCT), and security information reports (SIRs), collaborating with case managers.
• Maintain radio communication following Local Security Strategy protocols.
• Complete ACCT forms, Violence Reduction Incident Reports (VRIR), SIRs, and Incentive Earned Privileges (IEP) documentation as required.
• Perform quality assurance checks against product specifications.
• Record attendance, approve prisoner working hours and wages, including piece work where applicable.
• Update prisoner training logs and contribute to regime monitoring.
• Participate in health and safety risk assessments for the workshop area and specialist locations.
• Manage materials requests and estimate consumable needs to fulfill work targets.
• Engage in self-audits and help meet Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs).
• Provide administrative support and maintain documentation systems aligned with local agreements.
• Prepare documentation for managerial verification and quality control.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings as needed.

Behaviours and Technical Skills

• Exhibits leadership qualities.
• Communicates effectively and influences others.
• Collaborates well within teams.
• Delivers a high-quality service.
• Staff must be qualified assessors or commit to being trained within six months of starting.

Working Hours and Conditions

The role involves a standard 37-hour work week. Occasional unsocial hours may occur, with allowances as applicable.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of £29,107.
• Employer contribution of £8,432 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (28.97% contribution).
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options to improve work-life balance.
• Supportive and inclusive working culture promoting diversity.
• Annual leave entitlement and public holidays observed.
• Season Ticket Advance available.

Additional Information

• Applicants should be proficient in English (or Welsh where applicable).
• Successful candidates will undergo standard criminal record checks and baseline security clearance.
• The job is broadly open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK, European Economic Area nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and other eligible groups as detailed in nationality requirements.
• The role follows the Civil Service recruitment principles and code of conduct, emphasizing merit-based selection, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
• Artificial intelligence tools may be used to support applications but all content must be truthful and self-generated to avoid disqualification.