At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain safety and order in a high-security prison while supporting prisoners and colleagues.
- Company: Join the National Long Term High Security Estate and make a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid time off, a generous pension scheme, and various employee perks.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique career journey with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical assessments, and possess strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 € per year.
National Long Term High Security Estate Prison Officer. Our officers protect the public and help make a positive impact on prisoners’ lives. This fast‑paced role offers a unique career journey with opportunities for growth and development.
Eligibility and Immigration
- Not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under the current immigration rules.
- Applicants must hold a Skilled Worker visa that was in effect before 22 July 2025, or if they had such a visa continuously, they should raise this during vetting checks.
- Proof of UK residency for the last three years is required for Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC) vetting.
- Successful applicants must possess the legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service.
Location and Allocation
- Choose three or more prisons you would like to work at; allocation will be based on operational need and your preferences.
- This campaign does not include accommodation or travel expenses; relocation is at your own cost and requires you to live within reasonable travelling distance.
- If you do not meet the residency requirement, you may be offered a position in a prison that does not require CTC vetting.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Maintain safety and order within a high‑security prison environment.
- Act as a peacekeeper, counsellor, teacher and support staff as circumstances demand.
- Work various shifts, including weekends, evenings, nights and public holidays.
- Support colleagues as part of a single team to keep the prison, prisoners and staff safe.
Personal Qualities
- Integrity, resilience, self‑confidence and effective communication.
- Empathy, commitment to quality and effective decision‑making.
- Ability to build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
Recruitment and Assessment Process
- Stage 1 – Online test (judgement & numerical skills).
- Stage 2 – Task‑based online assessment (behavioural strengths).
- Online Assessment Centre (OAC) – evaluates behaviours, strengths and decision‑making abilities.
- Medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing, health screening).
Rewards and Benefits
- Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day.
- Up to 20% of salary in the Civil Service pension scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.
- Unsocial hours allowance and a £9,776 pension contribution from HM Prison & Probation Service.
Salary
- Salary depends on the prison and weekly shift hours. Example rates (37‑hour contract):
- £33,746 – HMP Full Sutton – York
- £33,746 – HMP Long Lartin – Worcestershire
- £33,746 – HMP Whitemoor – Peterborough
- £37,246 – HMP Swaleside – Isle of Sheppey; HMP Woodhill – Milton Keynes (prisons requiring CTC vetting)
Requirements
- Age 18 or older.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment and meet eyesight standards.
- Suitable hearing standard (without hearing aids).
- Driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential.
- Communicative and influencing skills, commitment to quality, decision‑making, care and understanding.
Diversity and Inclusion
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and aim to create a workforce that reflects the wider society. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Closing Date
9th December 2025. Applicants may wish to sign up for the option to work across multiple prisons under the National Long Term High Security Estate Prison Officer Campaign.
Additional Information
For further details about benefits, recruitment, and the veto process, please visit the Candidate Information Page at Candidate Information Page.
First Time Prison Officer Recruitment Scheme - Long-Term High Security Estate in Sheerness employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
As a National Long Term High Security Estate Prison Officer, you will join a dedicated team committed to public safety and prisoner rehabilitation. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, while our competitive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and paid time off, ensures that you are well-rewarded for your vital role in society. Working in various locations across the UK, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Time Prison Officer Recruitment Scheme - Long-Term High Security Estate in Sheerness
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a prison officer really involves, from maintaining safety to supporting prisoners. This will help you answer questions confidently during assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Take some time to prepare for the online tests and assessments. Brush up on your judgement and numerical skills, and think about how you can showcase your behavioural strengths.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison officers if you can. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out in the recruitment process. Plus, it shows your commitment to the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the recruitment process there.
We think you need these skills to ace First Time Prison Officer Recruitment Scheme - Long-Term High Security Estate in Sheerness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of a prison officer. This shows us that you understand the job and are genuinely interested.
Check Your Details:Before hitting submit, double-check all your information. Typos or missing details can make a bad impression. We want to see that you pay attention to detail, especially in a role like this!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure you apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of everything. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a prison officer. Understand the importance of maintaining safety and order, and be ready to discuss how your personal qualities like integrity and resilience align with these duties.
✨Prepare for Assessments
Since there are online tests and assessments involved, practice your judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Look for sample questions or resources that can help you get comfortable with the types of tasks you'll face during the assessment centre.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts. Be prepared to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your ability to connect with others.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Decision-Making
Highlight your commitment to quality and your decision-making abilities. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to make tough choices, showing how you balanced empathy with the need for safety and order in a challenging environment.
