How ThriveMap helped Mitie transform hiring for 360+ prison roles
Achieving <1% prison officer attrition
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“ThriveMap should be used in every prison hiring process.”Senior Prison Staff |
The challenge
Mitie needed to recruit over 360 staff for a major prison mobilisation project – fast. The roles were physically and emotionally demanding, with traditionally high attrition rates and poor public perceptions. The challenge was not only finding the right people but ensuring they knew what they were signing up for.
The solution
ThriveMap implemented a realistic, job simulation-based assessment for entry-level Prison Officer roles. Designed to reflect the day-to-day realities of life in prison environments, the ThriveMap assessment allowed candidates to experience the role before accepting it.
Rather than testing general knowledge or abstract reasoning, the assessment focused on key role competencies – communication, stress management, and judgment – within a simulated “day in the life.”
Impact
Over 5,000 applications instantly screened, dramatically reducing manual sifting and contributing to a 45% reduction in time-to-hire.
94.5% candidate satisfaction score. With just 1% negative response, candidates felt respected, informed, and engaged – crucial in roles known for high attrition and public stigma.
82%+ assessment centre attendance rate, significantly higher than the industry standard of 50%, thanks to realistic job previews that help candidates make informed decisions early, reducing costly dropouts further down the funnel.
40%+ pass rate at assessment centres, double the historical average of 20%, ensuring recruiters spend their time with the most suitable candidates.
9% of candidates opted out during the assessment. These were likely individuals who would have either dropped out later or wasted recruiters’ time. ThriveMap helped filter them before they progressed.
48% increase in diverse hires, proving the assessment’s power in levelling the playing field and surfacing talent from underrepresented backgrounds. The shift from CVs and rigid requirements to real-world performance meant talent, not background, drove selection.
Early indicators show significant improvement in retention
→ Churn for new joiners is currently <1%, far outperforming the traditional average of 13.4% in similar roles.
One senior prison staff member commented: “This should be used in every prison hiring process.”
Why it worked
Unlike traditional assessments, ThriveMap gave candidates the opportunity to self-assess their fit for the role based on real scenarios. This reduced dropouts, improved retention, and built trust from the very start of the hiring process.
The assessment was also built in partnership with prison experts, aligning with Mitie’s values and operational reality.
What happens after you book
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