Prison Officer recruitment is conducted locally according to agreed national procedures. It is for Area Managers/ Operational Managers to decide on the most effective method for delivering recruitment within their area depending upon numbers needed, geographical locations and the size of the labour market. Where possible recruitment to an establishment cluster is recommended. A menu of options is available to administer the process. Administration can be handled entirely locally or can be contracted out to either of the recognised Recruitment service providers: TMP Worldwide or Barkers.

The cost of Recruitment must be borne by the area/prison. Recruitment costs include: -

• Advertising
• Response handling
• Management of the JSAC assessment including facilities, role players and assessors
• Provision of occupational health services

Where Recruitment is in direct response to place creation, Estate Development and Planning Group (Programme Planning Unit - Tel: 020 7217 1959) will consider meeting the costs incurred.

All Prison Officer Recruitment must be conducted in accordance with the rules of open and fair competition and selection on merit and according to the agreed national procedures on: -