P1 and P2

In this piece of work I will be Identifying the rank structure in two contrasting uniformed public services including responsibilities (p1) as well as describe the chain of command for one public service, including its uniform structure (p2).

HM Prison Service Uniform Grades Ranks  

Here are the uniformed ranks of Her Majesty Prison Service

Rank & Hierarchical Structures

A rank structure is a hierarchical grading system that is used within the uniform public services    to provide an effective system of delegation and leadership, rank structures utilize the use of insignias such as rank slides and badges of rank, titles and positions. 

HM Prison Service

The HM Prison Service use a rank structure for effective management and efficient running of the United Kingdom’s prison system, the prison service ranking system has two different types these are uniform grades which consist of uniformed prison officers, and none uniform grades which consists of those in management positions such as governors.

HM Prison Service Uniform Grades Ranks  

Here are the uniformed ranks of Her Majesty Prison Service

Principle Officer

 The rank of Principle Officer is a current senior uniformed rank that is used in prison service; this position is a closed position that has been replaced by a junior management position.

The role of a principle officer is a supervisory role within the service that is responsible for a wing of a prison and responsible for the day to day running of it, a principle officer would answer to a wing governor. Here are some examples of some of the responsibilities a principle officer would have; 

·         Allocation of work and shift routines 

·         Act as a role model for junior officers

·         Assign work to officers

·         Evaluate officers performance

·         Reward officers performance

·         Approving holidays and time of duty

·         Resolve complaints

·         Discipline officers

·         Training

·         Creative a positive work environment

·         Normal duties of a prison officer

A Principle Officers rank can be identified by their rank epaulette which is worn on both shoulders the insignia for this rank consists two silver bath stars (see image)

To achieve this rank prison officer should have excellent leadership qualities and sufficient times served within the service and hold the position of a Senior Prison Officer and pass an interview and review panel.



Senior Prison Officer

 A Senior Prison Officer is a rank that is used within the prison service and serves as a team leader to Prison officers; a Senior Prison Officer is Senior to a Prison officer and junior to a Principle officer. Uniformed members of the prison service usually work in teams or section, there are seven or more of these on each wing of a prison and a Senior Prison Officer is responsible for each of those teams /sections. Here are some examples of some of the responsibilities a principle officer would have;

 responsibilities a principle officer would have;

·          Provide the team with the services vision, requirements and objectives

·          Provide the team with leadership and motivation

·          Create a positive environment

·          Help and guide prison officers to work together

·         Team development and teambuilding

·         Delegation of work and set tasks

·         Monitor teams performance

·         Assist in training and development

·         Assisting Principle officer in running wing

·         Handling complaints

·         Handling disciplinary and grievances

·         Personnel Welfare and support

·         Normal duties of a prison officer

A Senior Prison Officers rank can be identified by their rank epaulette which is worn on both shoulders the insignia for this rank consists a single silver bath star (see image)

To achieve this rank a prison officer should have good leadership qualities and sufficient time served within the service and hold the position of a Prison Officer and pass an interview and review panel.