Prison Officer – HMP Guys Marsh

Company: Ministry of Justice
Apply for the Prison Officer – HMP Guys Marsh
Location: Shaftesbury
Job Description:

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

23-Jul-2026

AO

Job ID: 19396

Prison Officer – HMP Guys Marsh

Address: HMP Guys Marsh, Guy’s Marsh, Shaftesbury SP7 0AH

Starting salary: £36,816 (for a 39 hour week including 20% unsocial)

City/Town: Yeovil/Salisbury

Region: South West

Vacancy type: Merit

Sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants must ensure they have the right to work in the UK. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available but unlikely.

Prison officers protect the public and help shape prisoners’ lives.

Who we’re looking for

We value diverse backgrounds. We look for people with integrity, self‑confidence, great communication skills and resilience. You should be able to build constructive relationships with prisoners and commit to teamwork. You will work shifts, including weekends.

Key duties

Work in a high‑security prison (Category A). Your day‑to‑day roles may include being a peacekeeper, counselor, or teacher. You will protect the public, maintain safety, and support colleagues.

Ability requirements

  • At least 18 years old at commencement of employment
  • Meet Civil Service nationality requirements (see below)
  • Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including an eyesight and hearing test
  • Have sufficient hearing without aid; suitable for the role
  • Tattoos must not be offensive, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless cultural, religious or medical

To work in a high security prison (Category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

Nationality requirements

  • National of Republic of Ireland
  • National of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • National of EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled/pre‑settled status under EUSS
  • Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible under EUSS as of 31 Dec 2020
  • Turkish nationals and certain family members with the right to work in the Civil Service

Successful applicants must maintain legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and the United Kingdom.

Essential skills

  • Communication and influencing
  • Commitment to quality
  • Care and understanding

Pay and benefits

Initial training: 37 hours a week. After training you may choose 37, 39 or 41 hours. Annual salary reflects hours.

  • 37 hours = £34,928 per year
  • 39 hours = £36,816 per year
  • 41 hours = £39,334 per year

Prison work 24/7: shift cycles include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. Additional paid hours may be available.

  • 25 days annual holiday (30 after 10 years)
  • Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day
  • Civil Service pension (employer 28.97%)
  • Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits

Assessment process

Your application will be assessed on behaviours: communicating, influencing, managing quality service, caring, and numerical, written and spoken English.

Stages:

  1. Online tests (judgement, numerical, values based)
  2. Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
  3. Medical and fitness test

Successful candidates are placed on a merit list for 12 months. After 12 months you must re‑apply. Unsuccessful applicants are subject to a six‑month waiting period before applying again.

Other information

Travel: Home transport or driving licence beneficial but not essential. Shift start times are fixed; you must arrive on time.

Overnight shifts and weekends may apply. The role may include additional paid hours.

Closing date

23 July 2026

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Posted: July 8th, 2026