At a Glance
- Tasks: As a prison officer, you'll manage daily operations and support inmates in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the HM Prison and Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Tattoos are allowed if non-offensive; facial tattoos generally not accepted.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing skills in communication, decision-making, and care.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical assessments, and meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 € per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland, and HMP Hatfield
Location: HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland, HMP Hatfield, Doncaster
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Doncaster
Region: North East
Vacancy type: Merit
Notes on sponsorship
From 4 April 2024, the Government increased the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas. The change means that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot guarantee sponsorship for those seeking sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa route.
If you are applying to be a prison officer and you do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes.
HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service.
You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and the eligibility criteria here.
About the role
An extraordinary job. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Recruitment assessments
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
- 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.
- 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.
For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs 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 see if you have the basic judgement and numerical skills.
If you pass, we will invite you to complete stage 2 of the online tests, which is a task-based assessment.
If you pass the online tests, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC).
Once you’ve successfully completed the OAC and you are allocated to a vacancy, 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.
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, the prison will make job offers 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
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 your application to become a prison officer, we may instead 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 (Monday to Friday 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.
202508: Prison Officer - HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland and HMP Hatfield in Doncaster employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Prison Officer at HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland, and HMP Hatfield, you will join a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, we are committed to providing meaningful career opportunities in a vital public service role. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland and HMP Hatfield in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key competencies required for a prison officer role, such as communication and decision-making skills. Practising these skills in real-life scenarios can help you demonstrate your capabilities during the assessment process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the online assessment centre by taking practice tests that focus on judgement and numerical skills. This will not only boost your confidence but also improve your chances of passing the initial stages of the recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 3
During the online assessment centre, be sure to showcase your ability to manage a quality service. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled challenging situations or provided excellent service.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay informed about the latest developments in the UK prison system and the role of a prison officer. This knowledge can help you engage in meaningful discussions during the assessment and show your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland and HMP Hatfield in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a prison officer. Familiarise yourself with the skills needed, such as communication, decision-making, and caring for others.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service and influence others effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your understanding of the challenges faced by prison officers. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your suitability for the position.
Prepare for Online Assessments:Familiarise yourself with the online assessment process. Practice basic judgement and numerical skills, as well as task-based assessments, to ensure you perform well during the selection stages.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, challenges, and daily tasks involved in the role at HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland, and HMP Hatfield.
✨Demonstrate Key Skills
During the interview, highlight your skills in communication, decision-making, and service management. Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase how you've effectively used these skills in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Assessments
Be ready for both online tests and the online assessment centre. Brush up on your judgement and numerical skills, and practice task-based assessments to ensure you're comfortable with the format and types of questions you'll face.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
The Civil Service values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse workplace and demonstrate your understanding of the importance of inclusivity in a prison environment.
