202605: Prison Officer - HMP Sudbury

Location: HMP Sudbury, 20 Ashbourne Rd, Oaks Green, Ashbourne DE6 5HW

Employment type: Full Time

Closing date: 1 June 2026

Start salary: £35,875 per annum for a 39 hour week (incl 20% unsocial).

Region: Midlands

Vacancy type: Merit

Job Overview

Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives. This fast‑paced role offers an opportunity to carry out a variety of duties including peacekeeping, counselling and teaching. Join a diverse team and work across a range of shifts, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and order within the prison.
• Counsel, coach and support prisoners to help them build positive relationships and progress.
• Work as part of a team and support colleagues to keep the prison safe.
• Perform routine and emergency duties as required.
• Attend to shift patterns which may include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment.
• Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses).
• Have suitable hearing (without hearing aids).
• Tattoos permitted provided they are not offensive or violent; facial tattoos generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
• If working at a category A (high security) prison, have lived in the UK for the last three years.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals.
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK.
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme on or before 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with accrued right to work in the Civil Service.

Essential Skills

• Communication and influencing.
• Commitment to quality.
• Effective decision‑making.
• Care and understanding.

Pay

• 37 hours a week: £33,746 per year.
• 39 hours a week: £35,875 per year.
• 41 hours a week: £38,003 per year.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual holiday (30 days after 10 years’ service).
• Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day.
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97 %.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.

Assessment Process

Recruitment includes online tests and an online assessment centre (OAC) covering behavioural and numerical skills, written and spoken English.

• Stage 1 – Online test for judgement and numerical skills.
• Stage 2 – Online values‑based assessment.
• OAC – Evaluation of behaviours, strengths and decision‑making.

Successful applicants are placed on a merit list and may receive a job offer when a position becomes available.

Medical & Fitness

Applicants must attend a UK‑based medical and fitness assessment centre for eyesight, hearing and basic health screening.

Working Hours & Shifts

Prisons operate 24/7. Typical shift patterns include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. Most prisons use a changing shift pattern of 39 hours a week.

Travel to Work

A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. Applicants should consider the role’s rural location and transport options.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

May be available subject to eligibility and UK Immigration Rules. Sponsorship is not guaranteed; applicants must ensure they hold the right to work in the UK.