Training and Development

The Scottish Prison Service is a highly professional organisation. We are committed to fully training our officers to carry out their duties effectively, safely and professionally. The first week of employment will be spent in your own establishment where the Training and Development Manager will facilitate the National Induction Programme.   Custodial Care SVQ Learning Programme (CCSLP)  The CCSLP is a two year programme for Prison Officer recruits and the expected outcome is the associated Scottish Vocational Qualification, the Custodial Care Level 3 Award (CCL3),  a mandatory base line qualification to work as a Prison Officer in the Scottish Prison Service.    Following the induction training week you will attend the SPS College at Brightons, near Falkirk, to commence part one of the CCSLP the Officer Foundation Programme (OFP).

Officer Foundation Programme (OFP) The OFP is college based learning and will be delivered over a six week period at the organisations national training facility.    The aim of the OFP is to provide a structured competence based training programme, which will enable you to return to your establishment with the appropriate knowledge, skills and understanding to be deployed safely and effectively in an operational role. The OFP will also prepare you for the formal assessment of competence once you return to your establishment. During this time you will be required to complete Phase 1 Control & Restraint.  Failure to be deemed competent in this element may lead to your dismissal from the Scottish Prison Service. On return to your establishment, following successful completion of the OFP, you will commence on the second and final part of the CCSLP the Officer Placement Programme.   Officer Placement Programme  This part of the CCSLP involves work based learning and provides supported operational learning experiences, structured learning opportunities and competence assessments for Scottish Vocational Qualifications.     You are contractually required to complete the CCL3 within a two - year period, from commencement of employment. It is anticipated that as a result of achieving the CCL3 you will have gained the satisfaction of achieving a formal qualification as well as increasing your confidence to carry out your role effectively.   Failure to achieve the CCL3 may lead to your dismissal from the Scottish Prison Service.