The prison environment is like no other. Where else would you begin each working day by emptying your pockets and allowing your colleagues to check through your bags, for example? But these procedures and precautions will soon become second nature and will actually make you feel more secure as you go about your work.
Prisons are often described as being like small towns. Inside you'll find healthcare, education and sports facilities. Plus they all have their own chapel. But unless you've actually been inside one it can be hard to imagine yourself working there.
So we asked some of our current senior managers to set the scene for you. We've also put together a number of interactive scenarios. These will give you an idea of the challenges our prison leaders face and help you decide whether or not a management career in the Prison Service is right for you.