At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support prisoners through counselling and teaching.
- Company: Join HMP Bullingdon, a dynamic environment focused on rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with options for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass health assessments, and have strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 39375 - 39375 £ per year.
Location: Bicester, OX25 1PZ
Starting Salary: £39,375 for a 39 hour week (incl. 20% unsocial)
Role Overview
Prison officers protect the public and positively impact prisoners’ lives. Your day will involve peacekeeping, counselling and teaching, working directly with inmates in a demanding environment.
Responsibilities
- Maintain order and safety within the prison.
- Support prisoners through counselling, teaching and other supportive roles.
- Work as part of a team to keep the facility safe for staff and inmates.
- Attend various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Eligibility & Requirements
To be considered you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment (eye‑test, hearing, basic health screen).
- Have suitable hearing without hearing aids.
- Have tattoos that are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- For category A high‑security prisons, have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
- Have a UK driving licence and access to transport is beneficial but not mandatory.
Nationality requirements
- Republic of Ireland nationals.
- Commonwealth citizens with right to work in the UK.
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein nationals and their settled or pre‑settled family members.
- Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS before 31 Dec 2020.
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued civil service right to work.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to quality.
- Care and understanding.
- Resilience and emotional strength.
Pay & Benefits
Training period: 37 hours/week. Post‑training options: 37, 39 or 41 hours/week.
- £37,246 a year for 37 hours.
- £39,375 a year for 39 hours.
- £41,503 a year for 41 hours.
25 days annual holiday (30 days after 10 years). Paid time off for public holidays and one additional privilege day. 28.97 % Civil Service pension contributions. Cycle‑to‑work scheme and travel loans.
Recruitment Process
The job is recruitment by merit. The process comprises:
- Stage 1 online test – basic judgement and numerical skills.
- Stage 2 online test – values‑based assessment.
- Online Assessment Centre (OAC) – assessment of behaviours, strengths and communication ability.
- Medical and fitness assessment – eyesight, hearing and health screening.
Successful candidates are placed on a merit list for up to 12 months. If you do not progress within that period you must re‑apply.
EEO Statement
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to ensuring that everyone can demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities. Differences of ability and disability are regarded as differences of experience and may provide a competitive advantage.
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Bullingdon in Bicester employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Bullingdon is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Prison Officer in Bicester, where you can make a significant impact on the lives of prisoners while ensuring public safety. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to employee development through comprehensive training and support, we foster a collaborative work culture that values resilience and emotional strength. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises care and understanding in a challenging yet fulfilling environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Bullingdon in Bicester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Bullingdon in Bicester
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.
