At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support women in custody while building positive relationships.
- Company: Join HMP Eastwood Park, part of the Women’s Prison Group in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, Civil Service pension, and various work schedules.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; shift patterns include evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in prisoners' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have strong communication skills, and pass health assessments.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 £ per year.
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.
Location: Bristol.
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
About the role
HMP Eastwood Park is part of the Women’s Prison Group. Working with women in custody presents unique challenges. Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners’ lives. This fast‑paced role requires integrity, resilience, empathy, communication skills and teamwork.
Responsibilities
- Protect the public and maintain safety within the prison.
- Build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
- Support colleagues as part of a unified team.
- Work various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Qualifications & requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight, hearing and basic health screening.
- Have a suitable standard of hearing and eyesight.
- For high‑security (category A) facilities, be a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
- Possess strong communication, influencing and caring skills.
- Demonstrate commitment to quality service.
- Be able to speak and understand English (and Welsh where specified).
Nationality requirements
- 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.
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service.
Salary & benefits
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week.
- Annual salary: 37 hours a week = £33,746
- 39 hours a week = £35,875
- 41 hours a week = £38,003
Benefits include:
- 25 days’ annual holiday (30 days after 10 years of 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.
Work schedule
Prisons operate 24/7, 7 days a week. You will cover various shift patterns, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays (included in holiday allowance). Some roles offer the possibility for additional paid hours.
Shift and travel requirements
Many prison establishments are in rural locations with limited public transport. A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. You are responsible for arriving on time for shifts.
Assessment process
- Online test – stage 1 assesses basic judgement and numerical skills.
- Online test – stage 2 evaluates values‑based assessment.
- Online assessment centre (OAC) – behavioural and skills assessment.
- Medical and fitness test – eyesight, hearing and health screening.
Successful candidates enter a merit list and may receive offers as vacancies become available. The merit list is valid for 12 months.
The jobholder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Closing date 1st July 2026.
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Eastwood Park in Bristol employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Eastwood Park is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee welfare, the organisation provides comprehensive training, flexible working options, and generous benefits including a Civil Service pension and annual leave that increases with service. Joining our team means being part of a dedicated group that values integrity, teamwork, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women in custody.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Eastwood Park in Bristol
✨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.
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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 Eastwood Park in Bristol
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.
