Application Journey
The Recruitment Process
From clicking "Apply" to walking through the gate on your first day.
1. The Online Application & Tests
After registering, you will face an Online Scenario Test. This presents you with work-based situations and asks you to choose the most effective and least effective actions.
Tip: Be honest, but think about de-escalation, safety, and rules.
2. The Assessment & Recruitment Centre (ARC)
If you pass the online test, you attend an ARC (often virtual/remote now). This involves:
- Role Play simulations: Actors playing prisoners or colleagues. You must demonstrate empathy, assertiveness, and communication.
- Written scenarios: Analyzing information and writing a report.
- Numeracy/Literacy tests: Basic math and English checks.
3. Provisional Offer & Vetting
Success at the ARC leads to a provisional offer. Now begins the rigorous Vetting process.
- DBS Check: Criminal record check.
- Employment History: Checking references for the last 3-5 years.
- Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC): For high-security estate roles.
Vetting can take 4-12 weeks or more. Be patient.
4. Medical & Fitness
You will book a slot for your medical (eyesight, hearing, BMI, blood pressure) and the fitness test (Bleep test 5.4).
5. Start Date & POELT
Once cleared, you get your start date and begin your 10-week POELT training.