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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage individuals in a dynamic prison environment, ensuring safety and rehabilitation.
- Company: HMP Swansea, part of the Ministry of Justice, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, Civil Service pension, and various employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a unique role.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical assessments, and meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 £ per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Swansea
HMP Swansea, 200 Oystermouth Rd, Swansea SA1 3SR
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Swansea
Region: Wales
Vacancy type: Merit
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
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
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
Notes: While tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except 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 an online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass, you will be invited to an online assessment centre (OAC). Successful completion of the OAC and allocation to a vacancy will lead to a medical and fitness test, including an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening (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 and progression
This is a merit 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 offer 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 assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer and determine your suitability for appointment as an Operational Support Grade (OSG). If you are unsuccessful for the prison officer role, we may offer you an alternative role as an OSG. Operational support grade - Ministry of Justice.
Other information
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.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Swansea employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Research what being a prison officer at HMP Swansea involves. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! Brush up on your judgement and numerical skills before the assessment. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t leave it to chance!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During the interview process, be sure to demonstrate how you can influence and manage situations effectively. Real-life examples work wonders!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the recruitment process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Swansea
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 get you through as smoothly as possible!
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 key responsibilities, such as managing a quality service and making effective decisions. 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, strong communication is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or influenced others. Think about situations where you had to manage conflicts or provide support, as these will highlight your ability to handle challenging interactions.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Abilities
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach decision-making. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly convey your thought process and demonstrate your capability to make sound decisions under pressure.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Assessments
Since the recruitment process includes an online assessment centre, brush up on basic judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Practising sample tests can boost your confidence and ensure you're ready to tackle any assessments thrown your way during the interview process.
