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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within the prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Woodhill, a key player in the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass health assessments, and meet nationality requirements.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 37300 - 41500 £ per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Woodhill
HMP Woodhill, V2 Tattenhoe St, Milton Keynes MK4 4DA
Starting salary: £39,375 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Milton Keynes
Region: South East
Vacancy type: Merit
CTC Required.
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.
What makes this 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
Qualifications to become a prison officer
- 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 = £37,246 a year
- 39 hours a week = £39,375 a year
- 41 hours a week = £41,503 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 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 your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG. Operational support grade – Ministry of Justice
Governance
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.
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202508: Prison Officer - HMP Woodhill 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 Woodhill
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the recruitment process! Knowing what to expect at each stage, from online tests to the assessment centre, can really help you feel more prepared and confident.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a prison officer, you'll need to influence and manage situations effectively, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and healthy! You'll need to pass a medical and fitness assessment, so make sure you're keeping active and looking after your wellbeing in the lead-up to your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and gives you access to all the latest opportunities at HMP Woodhill.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Woodhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When 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 tailor your application to the role of a prison officer. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show you can communicate effectively, manage quality service, and make sound decisions.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos and errors can make a bad impression, so take a moment to ensure everything is spot on!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, challenges, and daily tasks. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to manage difficult situations or influence others. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Values
As a prison officer, you'll need to demonstrate integrity, respect, and professionalism. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of the Civil Service. Share specific examples that highlight your commitment to these principles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process, team dynamics, or opportunities for career progression within HMP Woodhill.
