At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support prisoners while maintaining safety in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join HMP Lewes, a vital part of the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and have strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Location: HMP Lewes, 1 Brighton Rd, Lewes BN7 1EA
Salary: £35,875 (39‑hour week, 20% unsocial) (per annum for a 39‑hour week). Working time options include 37, 39 or 41 hours per week.
Key responsibilities:- Protect the public and maintain the safety of the prison and everyone who works there.
- Build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who may be at the lowest point in their lives.
- Act as a peacekeeper, counsellor or teacher depending on the needs of the day.
- Work in shifts—including evenings, some nights, weekends and public holidays—to cover the 24/7 operation of the prison.
- Support colleagues and manage the integrated provision of a secure environment.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment and meet eyesight and hearing standards.
- For high‑security (category A) work, have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK and the Civil Service.
- UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and eligible family members.
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service.
- Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS before 31 Dec 2020.
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to quality.
- Effective decision‑making.
- Care and understanding.
- 37 hours per week = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours per week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours per week = £38,003 a year
All figures include allowances applicable to the role/location.
Benefits:- 25 days’ annual holiday (increasing to 30 after 10 years of service)
- Paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution)
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.
- Online stage 1 test (basic judgement and numerical skills).
- Online stage 2 test (values‑based assessment).
- Online assessment centre (OAC) – tests behaviours, strengths and abilities.
- Medical and fitness assessment (eye, hearing, blood pressure).
- DBS Enhanced.
Notes: This is a merit vacancy. Successful applicants are added to a merit list based on OAC scores. The list remains valid for 12 months.
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Lewes employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Lewes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the safety and well-being of both its staff and prisoners, fostering a supportive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in rehabilitation and public safety. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a robust Civil Service pension scheme, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in their community. The unique environment of HMP Lewes offers diverse challenges and opportunities for personal development, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Lewes
✨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 Lewes
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.
