Operational Support Officer

Serco Group; West of England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6% pension scheme

Supportive working environment

Career development opportunities

Public sector impact

Job summary

Serco Group in Bristol is seeking an Operational Support Officer (OSO) at HMP Ashfield to provide vital operational support across the establishment, ensuring secure and efficient administration and security functions.

The role requires GCSEs, knowledge of security procedures, and proficient use of MS Office. You will operate in control rooms and gatehouses and may work shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. Salary is £26,436.80 per annum plus Serco benefits.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of security procedures.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication skills, particularly with external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Operating within the Control Room, monitoring CCTV and radio systems, responding to alarms, and completing documentation.
• Conducting routine radio tests, net test calls, and cell call checks.
• Working in the Gatehouse, controlling access for visitors, contractors, and staff, including searches where required.
• Assisting with the escort of vehicles throughout the establishment.
• Allocating and managing Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVC) and associated equipment.
• Providing support within the Command Suite when required.
• Participating in security exercises and contingency planning activities.
• Undertaking any other duties relevant to the Operational Support Officer role.

Skills

Strong communication

Microsoft Office

Organisational abilities

Analytical abilities

Full UK driving licence

Education

GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4+ or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: HMP Ashfield, Bristol
Salary: £26,436.80 per annum, plus Serco benefits
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

HMP Ashfield is a Category C adult male training prison accommodating over 400 prisoners. We are looking for an organised and reliable Operational Support Officer (OSO) to join our team and play a key role in maintaining the safe and secure operation of the establishment.

As an Operational Support Officer, you will provide vital operational support across the prison, working closely with Custodial Operations Managers and colleagues to ensure the smooth running of security and administrative functions.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the nominated Custodial Operations Manager, your duties will include:

• Operating within the Control Room, monitoring CCTV and radio systems, responding to alarms, and completing associated documentation.
• Conducting routine radio tests, net test calls, and cell call checks.
• Working in the Gatehouse, controlling access for visitors, contractors, and staff, including carrying out vehicle and personnel searches when required.
• Assisting with the escort of vehicles throughout the establishment.
• Allocating and managing Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVC) and associated equipment.
• Providing support within the Command Suite when required.
• Participating in security exercises and contingency planning activities.
• Undertaking any other duties relevant to the Operational Support Officer role.

What You’ll Need

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of security procedures.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication skills, particularly when liaising with external agencies.

Experience

• Experience working within a secure environment or with a similar client group, although this is not essential.

Skills and Attributes

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and analytical abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A flexible, team-focused approach to work.
• The ability to monitor, review and audit processes and procedures.
• Experience building positive working relationships with external stakeholders and agencies.
• Good report-writing and numerical skills, including the collection and presentation of data.
• Professionalism, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive information.
• A full UK driving licence.

Please note that this role involves shift working and may include nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Why Join Serco?

Meaningful work

You'll contribute to the delivery of essential justice services, helping to create a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, and prisoners.

Career opportunities

As a global organisation operating across five key sectors, Serco offers excellent opportunities for development, progression, and new challenges.

Supportive colleagues

Join a dedicated and diverse team where collaboration, support, and continuous learning are valued.

What We Offer

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Supportive and autonomous working environment
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• The opportunity to make a positive impact on public sector services

A little bit about us:

At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:

We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).