September 12, 2007: New Qualification for Prison Officers

From 1st September 2007, all new Prison Officers are required to complete an NVQ qualification in Custodial Care as part of their training.

All new recruits undertaking the Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) course must achieve the Custodial Care NVQ (CCNVQ) at level 3 within their first year to complete their probationary period.

The NVQ is a work-based assessment of the skills and competence required to be a Prison Officer and passing it means the candidate has gathered evidence to show they have demonstrated ability in their role in line with National Occupational Standards. Mandatory subjects covered by the qualification include promoting equality, valuing diversity, maintaining security and order, contributing to the prevention and management of inappropriate behavior and reducing risks to health and safety.

The qualification is being introduced as part of the Prison Service's ‘Professionalising the Prison Service' project which sets out how skills will be developed for all levels of staff in operational and non-operational grades.