At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain safety and support rehabilitation in a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Swaleside, a key player in public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass health assessments, and have lived in the UK for 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 39375 - 39375 £ per year.
Location: HMP Swaleside, Brabazon Rd, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey
Starting Salary: £39,375 per annum for a 39 hour week (includes 20% unsocial hours)
Overview: Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives. The role requires integrity, communication and resilience. You will work shifts including evenings, nights and weekends.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain order and safety in the prison environment.
- Act as peacekeeper, counsellor or teacher to support prisoners' rehabilitation.
- Build constructive, positive and professional relationships with inmates.
- Work as part of a team to ensure a safe environment for prisoners and staff.
- Adopt various shift patterns, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Qualifications & Eligibility:
- At least 18 years old at commencement of employment.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight, hearing and basic health screening.
- Meet required eyesight standards in both eyes with or without corrective lenses.
- No offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating tattoos; facial tattoos generally not acceptable.
- Must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years to work in a category A high‑security prison.
Essential Skills:
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to quality.
- Effective decision‑making.
- Caring and understanding.
Pay & Working Hours:
- Training: 37 hours per week.
- Post‑training options: 37, 39 or 41 hours per week, with salary reflecting hours.
- 37 hours = £37,246 a year.
- 39 hours = £39,375 a year.
- 41 hours = £41,503 a year.
Benefits:
- 25 days’ annual holiday (increasing 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.
Assessment Process:
- Behavioural assessment of communication, quality service, decision‑making and caring.
- Numerical, written and spoken English tests.
- Values‑based online assessment (Stage 1 and Stage 2).
- Online assessment centre review of behaviours and strengths.
Recruitment Information: This is a merit vacancy. Selected candidates will be placed on a merit list for up to 12 months. The highest‑scoring applicants receive job offers when positions open.
EEO Statement: We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. You may apply if you have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom and in the Civil Service.
Closing Date: 25 June 2026
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside in Eastchurch employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Swaleside is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Prison Officer where you can make a significant impact on the lives of prisoners while ensuring public safety. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including a Civil Service pension and ample holiday entitlement, our supportive work culture fosters teamwork and resilience. Located in the serene Isle of Sheppey, this role provides unique opportunities for personal growth and professional fulfilment in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside in Eastchurch
✨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 Swaleside in Eastchurch
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.
