At a Glance
- Tasks: As a prison officer, you'll protect the public and support prisoners in their rehabilitation.
- Company: Join HMP Long Lartin, a vital part of the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a Civil Service pension, and various perks like travel loans.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring your empathy, communication skills, and resilience.
- Other info: Must be 18+, UK resident for 3 years, and pass medical and fitness assessments.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 30400 £ per year.
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.
Address: HMP Long Lartin, Worcestershire, South Littleton WR11 8TZ
Salary: £32,448 - £36,541
City / Town: Stratford-upon-Avon/ Worcester
Region: Midlands
Vacancy Type: Merit
Due to the security status of this prison, a Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) will need to be undertaken. Proof that you have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years is needed to complete the CTC vetting process. Applicants who do not meet the residency requirement will not be able to take up post at this prison.
There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our officers come from different walks of life, just like the offenders they work with. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, have worked in retail, the armed forces, or just feel like you’re a natural people person, you’ll have the empathy, self-confidence, great communication skills and resilience we want. No matter the challenge, you’ll 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. You will be required to work various shifts and some weekends.
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. One minute you’re a peacekeeper, the next you’re a counsellor or a teacher. You’ll work directly with prisoners in a unique environment, helping to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Eligibility to Become a Prison Officer:
- 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 (both with and without corrective lenses)
- Have a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
While tattoos are permitted, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options; therefore, a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role. Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed, and it is your responsibility to get to and from your place of work on time for the start of your shift.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important. You need to show:
- Communication and influencing skills
- Commitment to quality
- Effective decision-making
- Care and understanding
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.
Benefits include:
- 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
During the recruitment process, you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths and abilities you need to become an effective prison officer. These include:
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
Closing date: 25th June 2025
202506: Prison Officer - HMP Long Lartin employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202506: Prison Officer - HMP Long Lartin
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the daily responsibilities of a prison officer. Understanding the various roles you might play, from peacekeeper to counsellor, will help you articulate your suitability for the position during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your interpersonal skills and experiences in teamwork. Since this role requires strong collaboration with colleagues, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in previous jobs or situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the medical and fitness assessments by maintaining a good level of physical fitness. Regular exercise can help you meet the required standards, so consider incorporating fitness routines into your daily life.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific challenges faced by prison officers, especially in high-security environments. Being knowledgeable about these issues will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle the complexities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace 202506: Prison Officer - HMP Long Lartin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a prison officer entails. Read through the job description carefully and reflect on how your personal qualities align with the requirements, such as communication skills, empathy, and resilience.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges of the role. Focus on skills like teamwork, decision-making, and any previous experience in similar environments, whether in retail, education, or the armed forces.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities of a prison officer.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Once you submit your application, be ready for online tests. Brush up on your numerical and judgement skills, as well as your written English. Familiarise yourself with the types of questions you might encounter to increase your chances of success.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Show Your Empathy
As a prison officer, you'll be working with individuals who may be at their lowest. Demonstrating empathy during your interview can highlight your ability to connect with others and build positive relationships, which is crucial in this role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Teamwork is vital in a prison environment. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in the past, showcasing your commitment to supporting colleagues and maintaining safety.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle various situations that could arise in a prison setting, and articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Understand the Role's Demands
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of being a prison officer, including shift work and the physical demands of the job. Showing that you understand these aspects will demonstrate your readiness and commitment to the role.