At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and positively impact prisoners’ lives through effective communication and care.
- Company: HMP Channings Wood is located in Newton Abbot, South West, offering a vital public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual holiday, paid public holidays, and employer contributions to a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: The recruitment process includes online tests and an assessment centre.
- Why this job: This role offers a starting salary of £35,875 with opportunities for career advancement.
- Qualifications: Candidates must be at least 18 years old and meet specific health and nationality requirements.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Location: Newton Abbot, South West.
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39‑hour week inc 20% unsocial)
Overview
Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners’ lives. This fast‑paced role could be the start of a successful career.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass medical, fitness, eyesight and hearing assessments.
- Have a suitable standard of hearing without hearing aids.
- Tattoos must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating (except cultural, religious or medical).
- Must have lived in the UK for 3 years to work in a Category A prison.
- Legal right to live and work in the UK/Civil Service.
Essential Skills
- Communication and influencing.
- Commitment to quality.
- Care and understanding.
Salary & Benefits
Initial training is 37 hours a week. You can later work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week, with corresponding annual salary:
- 37 hours = £33,746
- 39 hours = £35,875
- 41 hours = £38,003
Benefits include:
- 25 days annual holiday (30 days after 10 years).
- Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Travel loans.
- Employer contributions to Civil Service pension at 28.97%.
Work Schedule
Prisons operate 24/7. You will cover various shifts including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. Shift patterns usually involve 39 hours per week.
Recruitment Process
The process includes:
- Initial application form.
- Stage 1 online test: judgement and numerical skills.
- Stage 2 online test: values‑based assessment.
- Online assessment centre (OAC) – assessment of behaviours, strengths, written and spoken English.
- Merit list: highest scores receive job offers. Merit list remains valid for 12 months.
- After the assessment centre you may be offered a Prison Officer role or an operational support grade (OSG) role, which requires a valid full UK driving licence.
Medical & Fitness Assessment
All applicants must undergo a UK‑based medical and fitness assessment covering eyesight, hearing, blood pressure and basic health screening.
EEO & Accessibility Statement
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to providing reasonable adjustment support. Please indicate any adjustments needed in the application form. The role requires confidence in English, or Welsh in Wales.
Closing date: 25 June 2026.
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Channings Wood employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Channings Wood in Newton Abbot provides essential services with a commitment to public safety. Employees benefit from a generous pension scheme and 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 after ten years. The team values diversity and supports reasonable adjustments for applicants.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Channings Wood
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ministry of Justice, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Ministry of Justice and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Channings Wood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
