Prison Officer - HMP Norwich

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Location: AO Job ID: 16845

Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39‑hour week including 20% unsocial)

Region: Norfolk

Vacancy type: Pass

Sponsorship may be available for this role, subject to eligibility and in accordance with the UK Immigration Rules in force at the time of application. Sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have, and can maintain, the appropriate Right to Work in the UK for the duration of their employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining safety, order and security within the prison.
• Building constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners, often at a low point in their lives.
• Providing support, counselling or teaching as required, acting as a peacekeeper, counsellor or teacher.
• Working as part of a team and supporting colleagues to keep the prison and everyone safe.
• Being flexible to work various shifts, including weekends and some evenings or nights.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old at the point of commencement of employment.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight (with or without corrective lenses) and hearing (without hearing aids).
• Have no visible tattoos that are offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
• For a Category A high‑security prison, have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
• Be able to fulfil spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English, or Welsh where specified in Wales.

Essential Skills

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to delivering quality service.
• Demonstrated caring and understanding.

Salary & Working Hours

The initial training lasts 37 hours a week. After training you may 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 that may apply to the role or location.

Benefits

• 25 days annual holiday (increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service).
• Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day.
• Employer contributions of 28.97% to Civil Service pension.
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.
• Potential for additional paid hours.

Assessment & Training

Your application will be assessed on behaviours, strengths and abilities required to become an effective prison officer. This includes:

• Communicating and influencing.
• Managing quality service.
• Caring.

Additional assessments include:

• Stage 1 online test (judgement and numerical skills).
• Stage 2 online test (values‑based assessment).
• Online Assessment Centre (OAC) to evaluate your behaviours, strengths and overall suitability.
• Medical and fitness tests covering eyesight, hearing and basic health screening.

Successful completion of the OAC is valid for 12 months for applications to other prisons. If no vacancy is available, you will be placed on a reserve list.

Additional Information

Prisons operate 24/7, covering evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. Shift patterns are usually 39 hours a week. Traveling to work may be challenging in rural locations; a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but not essential.

For further information on military veterans and redeployment opportunities, see the official guidance available online.

Closing Date 27th May 2026 23:55

Legal and EEO Statement

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for applicants with disabilities.