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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage individuals in a prison environment, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join the HM Prison and Probation Service, a vital part of the UK justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
The predicted salary is between 39993 - 44000 £ per year.
Prison officer – HMP Brixton & HMP Wandsworth
HMP Brixton, Jebb Ave, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5XF
HMP Wandsworth, Heathfield Rd, London SW18 3HU
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.
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 = £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
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.
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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202510:Prison Officer - HMP Brixton and HMP Wandsworth employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202510:Prison Officer - HMP Brixton and HMP Wandsworth
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the recruitment process! Knowing what to expect at each stage, from the online tests to the assessment centre, can really help us stand out. Make sure to practice those judgement and numerical skills beforehand!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! During the assessment, we need to demonstrate how well we can influence and manage situations. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight these abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and healthy! Since there’s a medical and fitness assessment involved, it’s a good idea for us to prepare physically. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can make a big difference in our performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, we can keep track of your progress and any updates directly from there.
We think you need these skills to ace 202510:Prison Officer - HMP Brixton and HMP Wandsworth
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 your skills in communication, decision-making, and caring for others, as these are key traits we’re looking for.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Spelling mistakes or missing information can make a bad impression, and we want you to put your best foot forward!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role you’re aiming for.
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.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a prison officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or influenced others. This could be in a work setting or even in volunteer roles. Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult conversations or conflicts.
✨Showcase Decision-Making Abilities
During the interview, you may be asked about situations where you've had to make quick decisions. Think of specific instances where your judgement was tested. Highlight your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions to demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Assessments
Since the recruitment process includes online tests and assessments, practice similar tests beforehand. Brush up on your numerical skills and judgement abilities. Being well-prepared will not only boost your confidence but also increase your chances of passing these initial stages.