At a Glance
- Tasks: Support prisoners, maintain safety, and build positive relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join HMP Gartree, a diverse and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and training in a unique role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and have great communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 £ per year.
Job Overview
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.
Location: AO. Job ID: 18521.
HMP Gartree, Gallow Field Rd, Leicestershire LE16 7RP. Starting salary £35,875 for a 39‑hour week including 20% unsocial.
Region: Midlands. Vacancy type: Merit.
Applicants must ensure they have the right to work in the UK. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available but is unlikely for this campaign.
Someone Like You
Our officers come from diverse walks of life. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, retail worker, armed forces veteran, or a natural people person, you’ll bring the empathy, self‑confidence, great communication and resilience we value.
You’ll build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who may be at the lowest point in their lives. Teamwork is vital; you must support colleagues and act as one team to keep the prison safe. You will work various shifts and some weekends.
An Extraordinary Job
In this unique career, you’ll carry out many roles in a day: peacekeeper, counsellor, teacher, the next minute. You’ll work directly with prisoners, helping to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Responsibilities
- Protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners’ lives.
- Maintain high standards of security, health, hygiene and safety.
- Build and maintain constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
- Support colleagues and act as one team to keep the prison and everyone here safe.
Qualifications and Physical Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old at the point you commence employment.
- Meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight and hearing tests.
- Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes, with and without correct lenses.
- Have a suitable standard of hearing without the use of hearing aids.
- Have visible tattoos that are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- To work in a high‑security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Travel to Work
A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential, unless specified. Check transport options for the rural location of the prison.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK.
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have applied for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS.
- 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 who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.
Successful applicants must ensure they maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
Essential Skills
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to quality.
- Care and understanding.
Salary and Benefits
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 reflects 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.
Prisons operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will cover various shift patterns that include evenings, some nights, weekends and public holidays.
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.
Application Process
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on behaviour, strengths and abilities required to become an effective prison officer, including numerical, written English and spoken English.
Once you have completed your initial application form, you will be invited to complete stage 1 of the online test. Successful completion invites you to stage 2 (values‑based assessment). The online assessment centre (OAC) tests abilities, behaviours and strengths. You will be added to a merit list based on your score and may stay on the list for 12 months.
Medical and Fitness
Once a vacancy is identified you will be invited to complete a medical and fitness test covering eyesight, hearing, basic health screening and blood pressure. We only facilitate assessments in the UK.
Closing Date
This role is closed as of 25 June 2026.
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Gartree in Leicester employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Gartree, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. Our prison officers enjoy competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive pension scheme, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth in a meaningful role that makes a real difference in the lives of others. Located in Leicestershire, our team thrives on collaboration and teamwork, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and prisoners while embracing flexible working arrangements to suit individual needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Gartree in Leicester
✨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 Gartree in Leicester
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.
