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- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within HMP Cardiff.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and make a difference in the justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique career that impacts lives and promotes rehabilitation.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass health assessments, and meet nationality requirements.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 38500 £ per year.
Prison officer – HMP Cardiff, Knox Rd, Cardiff, CF24 0UG. Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial).
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
- be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
- meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
- pass a medical and fitness assessment
- meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
- for safety reasons, meet a suitable standard of hearing
Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids). To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
How to apply
Once you have completed your initial application form, you will be invited to complete an online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass the online test, you will be invited to an online assessment centre (OAC). Upon successful completion of the OAC and allocation to a vacancy, you will be invited to complete a medical and fitness test, including eyesight, hearing and basic health screening such as a blood pressure check.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours.
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39 hours per week shift pattern.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- 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
Job offers and appointment process
This is a merit vacancy. If you are successful at the online assessment centre, you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment centre, the prison will make job offers to individuals with the highest scores first when positions become available. You can stay on the merit list for 12 months. After this, you’ll need to apply again.
Operational Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC) will not only assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer but will also determine your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade (OSG) in the Ministry of Justice. If, following attendance at your OAC, you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may offer you an alternative role as an OSG.
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process has breached the principles you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable adjustment support
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Cardiff employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role of a prison officer. Research what it’s like day-to-day, and think about how your skills in communication and decision-making can shine through. This will help you stand out during the online assessment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice for the online test! Brush up on your basic judgement and numerical skills. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t hesitate to use them. We want you to ace that test and move on to the next stage!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get to the online assessment centre, be yourself! Show your caring side and how you can manage a quality service. They’re looking for genuine people who can influence and communicate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process and any updates. Let’s get you on that merit list!
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the role of a prison officer.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your skills in communication, decision-making, and caring. Use examples from your past that demonstrate these abilities, as they’re key for this role!
Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down your application process, and we want to make sure you get through smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received directly by us, and you’ll find all the info you need to get started on your journey to becoming a prison officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as managing a quality service and making effective decisions. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a prison officer, strong communication is crucial. Prepare for the interview by practising how to clearly express your thoughts and ideas. You might want to role-play common scenarios or questions with a friend to enhance your ability to influence and communicate effectively during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Caring Nature
The role requires a caring attitude, so think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy or support. Be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult situations with compassion, as this will highlight your suitability for the job.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
Don't forget about the online assessment centre! Brush up on your basic judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Practising sample tests can help you feel more comfortable and improve your chances of passing, which is essential for moving forward in the recruitment process.
