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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 Exeter, a vital part of the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 £ per year.
HMP Exeter, 30 New N Rd, Exeter EX4 4EX
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Exeter
Region: Devon
Vacancy type: Merit
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 = £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
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.
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.
202511: Prison Officer - HMP Exeter employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202511: Prison Officer - HMP Exeter
✨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 to prepare physically. Regular exercise can help us meet the required standards and boost our confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, we often have tips and resources available to help you along the way. Don’t miss out on any opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace 202511: Prison Officer - HMP Exeter
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. Typos or missing information can slow down your application process, and we want to make sure you’re considered!
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 processed smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as communicating effectively and managing a quality service. 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 during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations that may arise in a prison environment. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly and demonstrate your decision-making skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a prison officer, strong communication is crucial. During the interview, focus on how you convey your thoughts and ideas. Use clear language, maintain eye contact, and listen actively to the interviewers. This will reflect your ability to influence and connect with others.
✨Be Ready for the Medical and Fitness Assessment
Since passing a medical and fitness assessment is part of the recruitment process, it’s wise to prepare for this aspect too. Stay active and ensure you meet the required standards. Mentioning your commitment to maintaining good health during the interview can also work in your favour.