General Information
Business Unit: Garth
Date Published: 11-Jun-2026
Working Time: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Closing Date: 25-Jun-2026
Location: Preston
Civil Service Grade: AO
Job ID: 18696
Prison Officer – HMP Garth
Address: HMP Garth, Ulnes Walton La, Leyland PR26 8NE. City/Town: Preston. Region: North West.
Salary: £35,875 per year (39‑hour week inc 20% unsocial).
Start: Commences upon successful completion of training.
Key Responsibilities
Prison officers protect the public and aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners. In this fast‑paced environment you will act as a peacekeeper, counsellor and teacher, building constructive and professional relationships, supporting teams, and ensuring the safety of the prison and everyone who works here.
Eligibility
- At least 18 years old at commencement of employment
- Meet Civil Service Nationality requirements
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment (eyesight, hearing, fitness)
- Meet required eyesight standard with and without corrective lenses
- Have suitable hearing standards without hearing aids
- Tattoos must not be offensive or intimidating; facial tattoos generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious or medical reasons
- For high‑security (Category A) prisons: must have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years
Travel to Work
Some prison establishments are in rural locations with limited public transport. A driving licence and private transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals
- National of the Republic of Ireland
- National of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK
- National of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- National of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have applied for settled status under the EUSS
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible for EUSS on or before 31‑Dec‑2020
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service
Essential Skills
- Communication and influencing skills
- Commitment to quality
- Effective decision‑making
- Care and understanding
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training you may select 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Annual salary reflects weekly hours.
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 per year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 per year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 per year
All salary figures include any applicable allowances.
Benefits
- 25 days annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years of service)
- Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Assessment Process
Applicants are assessed on behaviours, strengths and abilities required for an effective prison officer.
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring
- Numerical, written and spoken English abilities
Online Tests
Stage 1: Basic judgement and numerical skills test.
Stage 2: Values‑based assessment.
Assessment Centre
Successful completion of the online tests leads to invitation to an online assessment centre to test behaviours, strengths and abilities.
Job Offers – Merit Vacancy
Successful candidates are added to a merit list based on their score. Offers are made in order of highest scores, and candidates remain on the list for 12 months. If an application is unsuccessful at the sift/assessment stage, a six‑month waiting period applies before further applications can be submitted.
Operational Support Grade (OSG) Role
If unsuccessful as a prison officer, applicants may be offered an alternative role as an OSG.
Medical and Fitness
Pre‑assessment medical and fitness test includes eyesight, hearing, basic health screening and blood pressure. Assessments must take place in the UK.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code governs expected behaviours. Recruitment follows merit and open competition. Complaints may be raised to Shared Services Connected Ltd, Ministry of Justice Resourcing or the Civil Service Commission.
Reasonable Adjustment Support
Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments should indicate this in the application so support can be arranged in advance of assessments.
Security Check Required
DBS Enhanced
E‑quality and Diversity
The Civil Service is committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Contact Information
For assistance, call 0345 241 5358 (Mon‑Fri 8am‑6pm) or email moj‑recruitment‑vetting‑enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk. Reference: 18696.
Closing Date
25th June 2026
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