Vocational Instructor (VI): Industrial Cleaning: HMP Whitemoor (Ref: 11388)

HM Prison and Probation Service; England; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency is seeking a trainer to instruct and support prisoners in workshops. The role focuses on promoting safety, managing discipline, and delivering accredited training programs. Candidates should have experience in an industrial environment and relevant certifications. This position offers a salary of £33,275 and benefits such as flexible working and contributions to a pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual salary of £33,275

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Access to learning and development programmes

Flexible working options

Annual leave and public holidays

Qualifications

• Possession of a BICSc assessor or equivalent certification.
• Experience working in an industrial environment.
• Ability to work towards or hold a BICSc Train the Trainer certificate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver BICS training and assess learner skills.
• Induct prisoners into workshop areas.
• Support prisoners with career opportunities.

Skills

Knowledge of accreditation process

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Leadership skills

Health and safety legislation experience

Education

BICSc assessor or equivalent certification

BICSc Train the Trainer certificate (within six months)

Job description

Overview

The job holder will be responsible for instructing and training prisoners by building effective, appropriate and supportive relationships, managing them proactively and promoting the decency agenda. The role contributes to sentence planning, reduces reoffending, applies safer custody practices and ensures high levels of security, productivity, order and hygiene within workshops. This is a non‑operational position with no line management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver BICS training, covering the establishment’s needs and industry‑recognised accreditations.
• Participate in the selection process and prison learning need assessments for workshop areas.
• Induct prisoners into workshop areas and train them in Health and Safety, COSHH, machinery and tools usage.
• Provide tailored support and advice to meet individual learning and training needs.
• Maintain and update learner records, including Individual Learning Plans.
• Assess and evaluate skills at National Vocational Qualification levels 1 and 2 and other relevant industry qualifications.
• Liaise with Headquarters Learning and Skills staff where required.
• Register, supervise, monitor, assess and accredit learners in accordance with awarding body requirements.
• Maintain awarding body quality standards and contribute to internal and external verification.
• Set learning aims, review progress and provide feedback on prisoner development.
• Support prisoners with career opportunities and resettlement planning.
• Supervise discipline of prisoners during training and work experience.
• Open and complete assessment, care, teamwork and reporting forms (ACCT, VRIR, SIRs, IEP). Log attendance, approve hours and manage piece work wages.
• Carry out fabric checks of workshops, maintain security of lock, bolts and bars, and ensure all tools and equipment are safe and accounted for.
• Participate in self‑audit and Service Delivery Indicator (SDI) achievement.
• Maintain regular communications and support the smooth running of the workshop.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of the accreditation process, Qualification and Credit Framework, and technical standards.
• Possession of a British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) BICS assessor or equivalent certification (Cleaning Operators Proficiency, COPC, FPCC).
• Experience working in an industrial or workshop environment with health and safety legislation.
• Strong communication, influencing, teamwork and leadership skills.
• Ability to work towards or hold a BICSc Train the Trainer certificate within six months of appointment.

Nationality Requirements

The vacancy is broadly open to UK nationals, citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries, EU/EEA, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and eligible family members, as well as individuals with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme.

Security

• Security successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and a counter‑terrorist check.
• Baseline personnel security standard checks are required.

Benefits

• Annual salary of £33,275, plus contribution to a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (£9,639).
• Access to learning and development programmes.
• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance.
• Annual leave and public holidays.
• Season ticket advance and other standard civil service benefits.

Equal Opportunities

The role is open to all suitable applicants. Equal opportunities are respected; no discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Assessment

Behavioural and technical skills will be assessed through the Success Profiles system. Applicants will provide examples of health and safety knowledge and evidence of training delivery experience.

Application Process

To apply, please visit the HM Prison & Probation Service Candidate Information Page.