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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 Swinfen Hall, 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 Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 38500 £ per year.
HMP Swinfen Hall - Lichfield Staffordshire, WS14 9QS
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
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.
Recruitment Assessment Criteria
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring
Prison Officer Requirements
- 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.
- Tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, but must not be deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- 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 see if you have the basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass the online test, 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.
Recruitment & Diversity
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.
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 Swinfen Hall 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 Swinfen Hall
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role of a prison officer. Understand the daily tasks and challenges we face. This will help you communicate your passion and suitability during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your judgement and numerical skills before the online test. We recommend using resources that simulate the test environment to boost your confidence and performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre (OAC) by reviewing common scenarios you might encounter as a prison officer. Think about how you would manage conflicts or make decisions in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it keeps everything organised and makes it easier for us to track your progress.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Swinfen Hall
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 to the job. We love seeing how you connect your experiences to the role!
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down your application process. We want everything to be spot on so we can focus on your amazing potential!
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process right 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 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 effectively communicated or influenced others. This could be in a work setting or even in volunteer roles. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills in a prison environment.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
The online assessment centre is a key part of the recruitment process. Brush up on your judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Practising sample tests can help you feel more comfortable and improve your chances of passing this stage.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive environment. Think about your own experiences and how they align with the principles of fairness and open competition. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
