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Become an operational support grade (OSG)

Overview of the operational support grade role

Someone like you

As an operational support grade (OSG), you’ll play a key role in supporting the smooth and safe running of the prison.

You’ll be part of a supportive team doing all sorts of things – from security and searches at the gate, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. It is a varied and active job.

The OSG job is a prison support role. Unlike our prison officers, your contact with prisoners tends to be limited. Although, depending on the prison, you may interact with prisoners occasionally.

You’ll need to be a good communicator, team player and keep calm under pressure. 

The OSG role will give you significant knowledge and experience of how a prison operates. It can provide opportunities to move into other prison jobs.

OSG – an extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.

  • No qualifications needed
  • Starting salary of £25 to £31k for a 37 hour week
  • Skills you need: trustworthy, teamwork, problem-solving
  • Must have basic maths, spelling, grammar, IT skills, and speak fluent English
  • An active role requiring a reasonable level of physical stamina
  • An opportunity to gain an apprenticeship and progress your career

Pay and benefits

Band 2 OSG
(37 hour week inclusive of a 20%
unsocial hours allowance)
Inner London£31,165
Outer London£29, 268
Other locations£25,626