Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: As a prison officer, you'll protect the public and support prisoners in their rehabilitation.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days holiday, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring your empathy, communication skills, and resilience.
- Other info: This role requires shift work, including evenings and weekends, with opportunities for additional hours.
The predicted salary is between 27796 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Erlestoke
HMP Erlestoke, Erlestoke House, Erlestoke, Devizes SN10 5TU
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Bath
Region: South West
Vacancy type: Merit
From 4 April 2024, the Government increased the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas. HMPPS cannot guarantee sponsorship for those seeking sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa route. If you do not meet the new eligibility criteria, you will need to consider options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK. HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules.
You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and the eligibility criteria here.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Responsibilities during recruitment process
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
To become a prison officer, you will need
- be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
- meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
- pass a medical and fitness assessment
- meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
- for safety reasons, meet a suitable standard of hearing
- tattoos are permitted but must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons
- for safety reasons, a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
- to work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years
How to apply
Once you have completed your initial application form. You will be invited to complete stage 1 of the online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass, you will be invited to stage 2 (task-based assessment). If you pass the online tests, you will be invited to an online assessment centre (OAC). If you successfully complete the OAC and are allocated to a vacancy, you will undergo a medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing, and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check).
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.
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39 hours per week shift pattern.
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
Read more about prison officer benefits
Job offers: merit vacancy
This is a merit job vacancy. If you are successful at the online assessment centre, you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment centre, offers will be made to individuals with the highest scores first when positions become available. You can stay on the merit list for 12 months. After this, you’ll need to apply again.
Operational Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC) will not only assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer but will also determine your suitability for appointment as an Operational Support Grade (OSG). If, following attendance at your OAC, you are unsuccessful in becoming a prison officer, we may offer you an alternative role as an OSG. Operational support grade – Ministry of Justice.
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, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process has breached the principles you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: call 0845 241 5358 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable adjustment support
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
202508: Prison Officer - HMP Erlestoke employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Erlestoke
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the role of a prison officer by engaging in our interactive online activity. This will give you a real insight into the day-to-day situations you might face, helping you to understand if this job is right for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the online tests by brushing up on your basic judgement and numerical skills. Practising these skills beforehand can significantly improve your chances of passing the assessments and moving forward in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personal qualities during the assessment centre. Highlight your communication skills, empathy, and ability to work as part of a team, as these are crucial traits for a successful prison officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready for the medical and fitness assessments by maintaining a good level of physical fitness. This will not only help you pass the tests but also prepare you for the physically active nature of the job.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Erlestoke
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 and skills that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Focus on any past roles that involved teamwork, communication, or working under pressure, as these are crucial in a prison environment.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a good fit for the position. Use specific examples from your life or work experience that showcase your ability to handle challenging situations and build relationships.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Once you submit your application, be ready for online tests. Familiarise yourself with the types of questions you might encounter, especially those assessing judgement and numerical skills. Practising similar tests can help boost your confidence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨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 instances where you've worked effectively as part of a team. Emphasise your commitment to supporting colleagues and how you contribute to a safe and collaborative atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle various situations that may arise in a prison setting, such as conflict resolution or crisis management. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability
The role of a prison officer can be demanding and unpredictable. Highlight your resilience and adaptability by sharing experiences where you've faced challenges and how you overcame them. This will show your potential employer that you're equipped to handle the pressures of the job.