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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a prison officer and engage in diverse roles every day.
- Company: Join HMP Erlestoke, a key player in the UK justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Erlestoke
Address: HMP Erlestoke, Erlestoke House, Erlestoke, Devizes SN10 5TU
Starting salary: ÂŁ35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Erlestoke | Region: South West | Vacancy type: Merit
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
What you’ll do
An extraordinary job. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. 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 as 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). Once you’ve successfully completed the OAC and you are allocated to a vacancy, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test. This will cover an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including 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 = ÂŁ33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = ÂŁ35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = ÂŁ38,003 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
Read more about prison officer benefits.
Job offers
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 (OSG) role
Although a driving licence is not a requirement for the Prison Officer role, driving duties are an essential part of the OSG role. Therefore, candidates who are unsuccessful in their Prison Officer application but offered an OSG role, are required to hold a valid UK driving licence. 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). If following attendance at your OAC you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG.
Standards and inclusion
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 (Mon-Fri 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
Just tick “yes” when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Erlestoke in Devizes 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 Erlestoke in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Research what being a prison officer really involves. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! Brush up on your basic judgement and numerical skills. There are loads of resources out there, so take advantage of them to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former prison officers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and maybe even give you a heads-up about upcoming vacancies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and opportunities directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Erlestoke in Devizes
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 what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of a prison officer. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show you can handle the diverse challenges of this job. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Double-Check Everything: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough once-over. Spelling mistakes or unclear information can make a bad impression. We want to see your best work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process right there.
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 daily responsibilities and challenges of the role at HMP Erlestoke. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
The online assessment centre is a crucial step in the process. Brush up on your basic judgement and numerical skills, as these will be tested. Practising sample questions can give you a leg up and help you feel more at ease during the actual assessment.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As a prison officer, you'll need strong communication and interpersonal skills. Be ready to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these abilities. Think about situations where you've resolved conflicts or worked effectively in a team.
✨Dress Appropriately and Be Professional
Even if the interview is online, dress smartly and maintain a professional demeanor. This shows respect for the interviewers and the role you're applying for. Remember, first impressions count, so make sure you present yourself well!
