Location
Banstead, Kent, Surrey & Sussex, London

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. This role requires working regular unsocial hours including evenings, nights, weekends and Bank/Public Holidays. Unsocial hours attract an additional payment of 20% on top of basic pay.

Salary
£45,446 per year

About the Role
HMPPS, an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for managing prison and probation services in England and Wales. The Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) role at HMP Highdown involves supervising prisoners in Land Based Activities and Horticulture work areas to help develop their skills and improve future employment prospects, contributing to reducing reoffending.
The role is non-operational and non-rotational, with no line management responsibilities. The SPI will ensure that work targets are met, discipline is maintained, and the work environment is safe and positive. They will provide instruction and supervision in horticultural activities including the use of machinery, grounds maintenance, planting, cropping, harvesting, and conservation.
The SPI may teach prisoners towards nationally recognised qualifications and work with external organisations such as local colleges. They will also maintain the prison grounds, oversee conservation areas, and may assess accredited vocational qualifications.
The role includes delivering actions from the MoJ's Biodiversity Strategy and undertaking small project work as required. The SPI will induct and train prisoners in Health and Safety, COSHH, and machinery/tool usage.
This position supports the rehabilitation mission by engaging prisoners in purposeful activity and preparing them for release, maintaining high standards of service, security, and control at all times.

Experience
Relevant work experience in horticulture including the use of horticultural machinery and tractors is essential. Experience in grounds maintenance practices such as grass maintenance, turf culture, drainage, soil husbandry, ornamental horticulture including aquatics, bedding, perennial, tree and shrub culture is required. Knowledge of different habitat types and their ecological support for insects, creatures, and animals is important. Supervisory experience is desirable.

About you
You should be confident in communicating effectively in English, both spoken and written, to deliver qualifications, provide instructions, complete documentation, and maintain accurate records. You must be able to organise and prioritise work activities, maintain health and safety standards, and support others in developing their horticultural skills. A positive attitude towards rehabilitation and working with offenders is essential.

Qualifications
Must possess a full current United Kingdom driving licence. You should currently hold or be prepared to work towards a Level 3 qualification or equivalent in horticulture, PA1 and PA6 spray certification, and a recognised workplace assessor qualification.