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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 Wormwood Scrubs, 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 medical assessments, and meet nationality requirements.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 41984 - 44474 £ per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Wormwood Scrubs
HMP Wormwood Scrubs, 160 Du Cane Rd, London W12 0AN
Starting salary: £41,984 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: London
Region: London
Vacancy type: Merit
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.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Responsibilities / Assessment
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
Requirements 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 = £39,493 a year
- 39 hours a week = £41,984 a year
- 41 hours a week = £44,474 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
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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202509: Prison Officer - HMP Wormwood Scrubs employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202509: Prison Officer - HMP Wormwood Scrubs
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the online assessment process! We recommend practising your judgement and numerical skills beforehand. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t just wing it!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for the online assessment centre! This is your chance to shine, so prepare by understanding the key criteria they’re looking for. Think about how you can demonstrate your communication and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and healthy! You’ll need to pass a medical and fitness test, so make sure you’re in good shape. A little exercise goes a long way, especially when it comes to those health screenings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and tips right there, making your job search smoother.
We think you need these skills to ace 202509: Prison Officer - HMP Wormwood Scrubs
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 services, and make sound decisions.
Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can make a bad impression. We want to see that you’re thorough and detail-oriented!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a prison officer at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as communication, decision-making, and managing a quality service. This will help you tailor your answers to demonstrate how you fit the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to communicate effectively or make tough decisions. Practising these scenarios can give you the confidence to respond clearly during the interview.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
The Civil Service values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive environment. Share any experiences you have that highlight your understanding of different perspectives and your ability to work with diverse groups of people.
✨Stay Fit and Ready
Since passing a medical and fitness assessment is part of the process, it’s a good idea to maintain your fitness levels leading up to the interview. Being physically prepared not only boosts your confidence but also shows your commitment to the role and its demands.