Wrexham locals are being encouraged to consider a career as a prison officer at HMP Berwyn.

The prison is looking to hire several prison officers who can help offenders get back on the right track and keep the public safe.

This comes as the government announces a recruitment drive of 5,000 prison officers across England and Wales, as part of a new prison strategy launched this month.

Prison officers at HMP Berwyn, which is now operating as the newest and largest public sector prison in England and Wales, help to maintain safety standards on the inside, while also giving prisoners the skills and support they need to live crime-free lives on the outside. This might involve encouraging participation in education and substance recovery programmes, as well as helping prisoners to maintain vital family ties.

Qualifications are not needed for the role, which has a starting salary of £24,427 as HMPPS (Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service) believes that personal qualities are more important.

They are looking for people who can demonstrate good communication and influencing skills, commitment to quality, effective decision-making, care and understanding

Nick Leader, Governor at HMP Berwyn said: "Prison officers play an essential role in changing the lives of those in custody, as well as keeping the public protected.

"The role can be challenging, but rewarding and every day is different but you know you are making a difference in someone's life. We are committed to providing our officers with training and ongoing mentoring so they are supported every step of the way when taking on this unique role.

"It's the team we have here that makes this such an enjoyable place to work – you can form friendships for life. I would be delighted for you to join us on this journey to help make HMP Berwyn the best it can be."

This recruitment drive is part of the government's new plan for prisons – backed by unprecedented investment and state-of-the-art infrastructure - which aims to rehabilitate offenders and cut crime. Frontline staff will play a crucial role in its success.

Training is available throughout a prison officer's career. Officers can choose to specialise in working with vulnerable prisoners, become a dog handler or train as a physical education instructor.

It is 39 hours a week and includes a Civil Service pension.

Applications close on January 13.

To find out more, visit https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/prison-officer/?utm_campaign=gen_berw_nov21&utm_medium=media&utm_source=pr