Sponsorship is not guaranteed, and applicants are responsible for ensuring they have, and can maintain, the appropriate right to work in the UK. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for this role, subject to eligibility and in line with the UK Immigration Rules in force at the time of application. However, due to current immigration requirements and recruitment timescales, candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored if applying to this campaign. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider their right to work in the UK carefully before applying. You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and eligibility criteria at gov.uk. The Department will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service.
About the Role
Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners’ lives. If you have the integrity, skills and strength of character we’re looking for, this fast‑paced role could be the start of a successful career. Our officers come from different walks of life – from parents and teachers to retail workers and former armed forces personnel – and we value empathy, self‑confidence, great communication skills and resilience. No matter the challenge, you will take the time to build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who could be at the lowest point in their lives. Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment, so you’ll need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and understand the importance of acting as one team to keep the prison, and everyone who works here, safe.
Key Responsibilities
In this unique career you’ll carry out many different roles in any one day – from peacekeeping to counselling to teaching. You will work directly with prisoners, helping to protect the public and make a positive impact. You will be required to work various shifts and some weekends.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old at the point you commence employment
- Meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment as part of the application process
- Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses)
- Have a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
- While tattoos are permitted, they must not be deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- To work in a high‑security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years
- Consider your transport options – a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but not essential unless specified
Key Requirements and Skills
- Communication and influencing skills
- Commitment to quality
- Effective decision‑making
- Care and understanding
- Confidence in spoken English (or Welsh where specified)
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to ensuring that everyone can demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities. You should arrange reasonable adjustment support before completing online tests or attending an assessment centre. Our assessors cannot accommodate requests on the day of the assessment centre, so please let us know in plenty of time if adjustments are required.
Training and Working Hours
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours:
- 37 hours a week = £38,428 a year
- 39 hours a week = £40,316 a year
- 41 hours a week = £42,834 a year
Prisons operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you’ll cover various shift patterns that include evenings, some nights, weekends and public holidays. These days are added to your holiday allowance.
Pay and Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- Paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Veteran Scheme
The ‘Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans’ initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces who meet the minimum criteria.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. The Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy support this commitment.
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