The Recruitment Process

Telephone Call

All potentially suitable candidates will be offered the opportunity to undertake an informal telephone discussion with a member of staff from Hays Specialist Recruitment to give you a chance to explore the opportunity – this can cover as much information as you need regarding the organisation, role, prison environment, the next steps in the process and any further questions you may have.

Face-To-Face Interview

This will be followed by a face to face interview (via video or in a Hays office depending upon government guidance at the time) with your Hays contact to explore your skills and work history in more detail - you will be asked a combination of questions to explore your past experiences and achievements. You don’t need to have worked in a prison before to do well – you can use examples from your personal and professional experiences to demonstrate your strengths and skills.

In the interview, we will also assess your ability to speak and understand English, which is a Government requirement in public-facing roles such as this, as you will be frequently engaging with people.

Background Checks

Once it is established you are suitable we will carry out our own checks (including identity, eligibility to work in the UK and past employment) and the prison establishment will carry out their own vetting process too. Your Hays contact will work closely with you throughout the process to make it as fast and smooth as possible, including liaising with the prisons vetting team as frequently as required. We will do our best to ensure the process is as quick as possible and you will be kept updated and informed at every stage of your application journey.

If you feel you need reasonable adjustments to support you, please let your Hays contact know when you apply.