At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within the prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Leyhill, a part of the Civil Service dedicated to public safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and have no offensive tattoos.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 38003 £ per year.
Location: HMP Leyhill – Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucester GL12 8BT
Starting salary: £35,875 per week (39‑hour week incl 20% unsocial)
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- 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
- meet a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
- have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years to work in a high‑security prison (category A)
- have a tattoo policy that does not include offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating designs; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons
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, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC). Following a successful OAC, you will be allocated to a vacancy and invited to complete a medical and fitness test, covering eyesight, hearing, and basic health screening including a blood‑pressure.
Pay:
The initial training involves 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.
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:
This is a merit job 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:
The Online Assessment Centre will also assess your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade (OSG). If you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing 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 Leyhill in Peacehaven 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 Leyhill in Peacehaven
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Research what being a prison officer at HMP Leyhill involves. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! Brush up on your judgement and numerical skills before the online assessment. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t leave it to chance!
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the assessment centre. They want to see how you communicate and influence others, so let your personality shine through. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process right there. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Leyhill in Peacehaven
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 you’ll find all the info you need about the process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of the role at HMP Leyhill. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨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 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.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
If you pass the initial application stage, you'll face an online assessment centre. Brush up on basic judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Practising sample tests can boost your confidence and ensure you're well-prepared for this crucial step in the recruitment process.
