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- Tasks: As a prison officer, you'll protect the public and support prisoners in their rehabilitation.
- Company: Join HMP Wakefield, a vital part of the UK's justice system, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: This role offers diverse daily challenges and the chance to positively impact lives.
- 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 security checks.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 30400 £ per year.
An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you. 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 Wakefield, 5 Love Ln, Wakefield WF2 9AG
Salary: £32,448 - £36,541
City / Town: Wakefield
Region: North East
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.
Someone like you: 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.
An extraordinary job: 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, You Will Need To:
- 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)
For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids). Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, 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.
Travel to Work: 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. Please carefully consider the location of this vacancy and your transport options before applying.
Nationality Requirements: 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)
Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
Essential Skills: 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
Pay: 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: 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.
Assessment Process: During the recruitment process you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths and abilities you need to become an effective prison officer.
Medical and Fitness: Once we identify a vacancy for you, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test. This will cover an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check.
Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
Diversity & Inclusion: The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Closing date: 11th June 2025
202504: Prison Officer - HMP Wakefield 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 202504: Prison Officer - HMP Wakefield
✨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 demonstrate your adaptability and readiness during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills. Since collaboration is crucial in a prison environment, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the medical and fitness assessments by maintaining a good level of physical fitness. Being physically active not only helps you pass the tests but also shows your commitment to the role's demands.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current or former prison officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the challenges faced, which can help you tailor your approach and responses during the assessment process.
We think you need these skills to ace 202504: Prison Officer - HMP Wakefield
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 skills required, such as communication, empathy, and resilience.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a prison officer. Focus on any roles where you've shown teamwork, conflict resolution, or strong communication skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the role, showing your understanding of the challenges faced by prison officers.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Once you submit your application, you'll need to complete online assessments. Familiarise yourself with the types of tests you might encounter, such as judgement and numerical skills, to ensure you're well-prepared.
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 your ability to empathise and connect with people from diverse backgrounds will be crucial. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or helped others in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Teamwork is essential in a prison environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before. Provide specific examples of how you supported colleagues and contributed to a positive team dynamic, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think about potential situations you might face as a prison officer and how you would handle them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Understand the Role's Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of being a prison officer, such as managing conflict and maintaining safety. Showing that you understand these challenges and are prepared to face them will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your readiness to contribute positively.
