Erlestoke Instructor

Ministry of Justice; Devizes; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental department in the United Kingdom is seeking a non‑operational production instructor to supervise and manage prisoners in workshops. The ideal candidate will need strong communication skills and knowledge of health & safety practices. You will provide training and maintain security while ensuring a productive environment for the prisoners. This role offers flexibility in working hours and various benefits including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual leave

Flexible working options

Pension schemes

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Security check – DBS Standard required.
• Previous experience in a prison or correctional setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the selection and induction of prisoners to the workshop.
• Train prisoners on health & safety and machinery usage.
• Supervise, manage and control prisoners in the workshop.

Skills

Strong communication and leadership skills

Ability to manage and motivate prisoners

Sound knowledge of prison health & safety

Proficiency in English

Job description

Overview

The role is a non‑operational production instructor responsible for supervising and managing prisoners in non‑specialist workshops. The job holder ensures a structured, disciplined environment that delivers a work experience mirroring the outside workforce while maintaining security and control at all times.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the selection and induction of prisoners to the workshop.
• Train prisoners on health & safety, COSHH, machinery, and tools usage; ensure all equipment is safe and accounted for.
• Provide individual support, tailor learning needs, and set work schedules to meet contractual targets and quality standards.
• Supervise, manage and control prisoners, overseeing performance, motivation, discipline, and development; conduct metal‑detector scans or searches.
• Initiate product development reviews and maintain output levels to provide variety for prisoners.
• Contribute to risk and health & safety assessments and specialist area assessments.
• Prepare and submit prisoner reports, including ACCT, VRIR, SIR, IEP, and training records.
• Communicate via radio net and maintain regular updates with managers.
• Request materials, estimate usage, and validate product quality against specifications.
• Log attendance, approve hours, and record piece‑work wages.
• Attend required meetings and provide administrative support for workshop documentation.
• Maintain and update local systems in line with agreements.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Security check – DBS Standard required.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; ability to manage and motivate prisoners.
• Sound knowledge of prison health & safety, COSHH, and workshop operations.
• Proficiency in English and, where applicable, Welsh.
• Previous experience in a prison or correctional setting is preferred.

Benefits

Contractual terms include 37 hours per week, annual leave, holiday entitlements, flexible working options, pension schemes, and opportunities for training and development.