At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support safety while assisting prisoners in rehabilitation.
- Company: Join HMP Stocken, a vital part of the UK prison system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and various perks.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and have excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35746 - 37875 £ per year.
Location: Peterborough, Leicester, Melton Mowbery (East Midlands)
Vacancy type: Merit
Salary: £35,746 per year for a 39‑hour week (incl. 20% unsocial).
Job Responsibilities
- Protect the public and support safety within the prison.
- Provide peacekeeping, counselling and teaching support to prisoners.
- Maintain professional relationships with inmates and staff.
- Cover shifts 24/7, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
- Assist in maintaining order, managing incidents and delivering rehabilitation programmes.
Key Qualifications
- At least 18 years old.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment.
- Meet required eyesight standard with and without corrective lenses.
- Have suitable hearing standard without hearing aids.
- Tattoos allowed if not offensive or intimidating; facial tattoos generally not acceptable.
- For Category A high‑security prison, must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals.
- Republic of Ireland nationals.
- Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK.
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and their family members with settled or pre‑settled status.
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with right to work in Civil Service.
- Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
Essential Skills
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to quality service.
- Effective decision‑making.
- Care and understanding.
Pay & Hours
- Initial training: 37 hours a week.
- Post‑training options: 37, 39 or 41 hours per week.
- 37 hours = £35,746 per year.
- 39 hours = £37,875 per year.
- 41 hours = £40,003 per year.
Benefits
- 25 days annual holiday, rising to 30 days after 10 years.
- 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.
Travel to Work
A driving licence and own transport are beneficial due to rural location, but not essential unless specified. Shift times are fixed; applicants must ensure punctuality.
Working Conditions
Prisons operate 24 h a day, 7 days a week, requiring staff to work varied shift patterns that include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Application Information
Closing date: 25 June 2026.
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Stocken employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Stocken is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Prison Officer in the picturesque East Midlands. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and a robust Civil Service pension scheme. Our supportive work culture prioritises safety and rehabilitation, ensuring that you make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Stocken
✨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 Stocken
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.
