Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within the prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Lincoln, a vital part of the UK's 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 developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 £ per year.
HMP Lincoln, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4BD
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
About the role
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
An extraordinary job. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Assessment during recruitment
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
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, you will be invited 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 = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 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
Job offers and merit
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 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 instead, 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.
Operational support grade - Ministry of Justice
The Civil Service Code and recruitment
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 (Monday to Friday 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 support
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Lincoln 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 Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Research what being a prison officer at HMP Lincoln involves. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you communicate your passion and suitability during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! The initial assessment includes judgement and numerical skills, so grab some practice papers or online resources to sharpen your skills. We want you to ace that test!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre (OAC). Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated communication, decision-making, and care. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it keeps everything in one place, making it easier for us to track your progress and keep you updated.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Lincoln
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 service management, as these are key areas we’ll be looking at during the recruitment process.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down your application, and we want to get you through the process as smoothly as possible!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as communicating effectively and managing a quality service. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
The online assessment centre is a crucial step in the recruitment process. Brush up on your basic judgement and numerical skills, as these will be tested. Practising sample questions can give you a good idea of what to expect and help you perform better.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
During the interview, you'll likely be asked about how you make effective decisions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to think on your feet or resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges of the job.
✨Be Yourself and Stay Professional
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Being authentic can help you connect with the interviewers. Just remember to keep it respectful and aligned with the values of the Civil Service.
