At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rehabilitation and maintain safety in a high-security environment.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and make a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and diverse roles within the service.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital role that impacts lives and promotes positive change.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical assessments, and meet nationality requirements.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 38500 £ per year.
Locations:
- HMP Hollesley Bay – Hollesley Bay Colony, Rectory Rd, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3JW
- HMP Warren Hill – Grove Road, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3BF
Starting salary: £35,875 (39-hour week, including 20% unsocial hours)
City/Town: Ipswich
Region: East of England
Vacancy type: Merit
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
Assessment Focus
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring
Qualifications & Requirements
- At least 18 years old at commencement of employment
- Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including:
- Eyesight standard in both eyes
- Suitable standard of hearing (no hearing aids)
- For safety reasons, tattoos are permitted only if they are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
- To work in a high‑security (Category A) prison, you must have been a UK resident for the last 3 years.
Application Process
- Complete the initial application form.
- Complete an online test to assess judgement and numerical skills.
- Invited to an online assessment centre (OAC).
- On successful OAC and vacancy allocation, complete a medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing, health screening, blood pressure).
Pay & Hours
The initial training is 37 hours per week. After training you may work 37, 39, or 41 hours per week. Your annual salary reflects your weekly hours.
- 37 hours/week: £33,746 per year
- 39 hours/week: £35,875 per year
- 41 hours/week: £38,003 per year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39‑hour per week shift pattern.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years of 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 Status
Merit vacancy. Successful OAC candidates are added to a merit list. When all candidates have completed the assessment centre, the prison offers positions to individuals with the highest scores first. You may remain on the merit list for 12 months, after which you must re‑apply.
Operational Support Grade (OSG) Role
Our OAC also assesses suitability for appointment as an Operational Support Grade (OSG) role. If you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, an alternative role as an OSG may be offered.
Recruitment Principles & Contact
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants. Recruitment is by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. If you believe the recruitment process has breached these 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 attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. To learn more, see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable Adjustment Support
Just tick ‘yes’ when asked if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Hollseley Bay and HMP Warren Hill in Ipswich employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Prison Officer at HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, this role offers meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others while enjoying a fulfilling career in a secure environment. Located in the picturesque East of England, you will benefit from a community-focused atmosphere and access to various local amenities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Hollseley Bay and HMP Warren Hill in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a Prison Officer really involves at HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Prison Officer, you'll need to influence and manage situations effectively. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable expressing your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and healthy! You'll need to pass a medical and fitness assessment, so start preparing now. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can make a big difference in your performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on the merit list – being proactive can really pay off in landing that job!
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Hollseley Bay and HMP Warren Hill in Ipswich
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 your skills in communication, decision-making, and caring for others, as these are key aspects we’re looking for.
Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down the process, and we want to make sure your application stands out for the right reasons!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is processed smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prison Officer. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and duties at HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Prison Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or influenced others. Think about situations where you managed conflicts or built rapport, as these will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Abilities
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you make decisions under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you illustrate your thought process and demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service effectively.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
Since the application process includes an online assessment centre, practice any judgement and numerical skills tests beforehand. Familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions you might encounter. This preparation will boost your confidence and improve your chances of success.
