At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support prisoners in a women's prison environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team at HMP Eastwood Park in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for additional paid hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with various responsibilities and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; empathy and communication skills are key.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Location: Bristol, South West
Salary: £35,875 (39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
Job Overview
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives. We are working in a women's prison so many challenges differ from a male prison; many inmates have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse and may lack trust in staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Protect the public and maintain safety within the prison environment.
- Build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
- Work various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, within a 39 hour week.
- Support colleagues, acting as one team to keep the prison and everyone safe.
- Perform various roles throughout the day - from peacekeeper to counsellor or teacher.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older at the start of employment.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment.
- Meet required eyesight standard in both eyes (with and without corrective lenses).
- Meet suitable hearing standard without hearing aids.
- Tattoos must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- For a category A prison, you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Travel to Work
A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not an essential requirement, unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed; you must be able to reach work on time.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals
- Nationality of the Republic of Ireland
- Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with accrued rights to work in the Civil Service
Essential Skills
You don't need qualifications to become a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important: empathy, self confidence, great communication skills, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to support colleagues.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you may choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week; your salary will reflect the hours chosen.
Benefits
Pay includes applicable allowances. Prisons operate 24/7, so opportunities for additional paid hours are available. Shifts include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, which are added to your holiday allowance.
Application Process
Assessment includes online tests (numerical, written and spoken English), a values based test, an online assessment centre, and medical and fitness tests (eyesight, hearing, basic health screening). Successful candidates receive a job offer immediately if a vacancy exists or are placed on a reserve list.
Legal / EEO Statement
A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces. The department respects equality and offers reasonable adjustment support where needed.
Closing Date
10th June 2026
Prison Officer - HMP Eastwood Park employer: Job Search Place Limited
HMP Eastwood Park is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare of both its staff and the women in its care. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, we empower our prison officers to make a meaningful impact while ensuring safety and security within the prison environment. Our location in Bristol offers a vibrant community and opportunities for additional paid hours, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
