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- Tasks: As a Prison Officer, you'll engage with prisoners, ensuring safety and support while managing various roles.
- Company: Join a diverse team dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation within the UK prison system.
- Benefits: Enjoy holiday entitlement, pension schemes, and the chance to make a real difference in society.
- Why this job: This role offers unique challenges and opportunities to positively impact lives every day.
- Qualifications: Must have the legal right to work in the UK and pass security vetting.
- Other info: Shift work is required, including nights and weekends; medical assessments are part of the process.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Due to the security status of this prison, a Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) will need to be undertaken. Proof of UK residency for the last 3 years is required to complete the CTC process. Applicants not meeting this requirement will not be able to take up the post.
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under current immigration rules. From 22 July 2025, changes to the Skilled Worker visa route mean the department cannot sponsor you unless you held a Skilled Worker visa prior to this date. If you have held such a visa continuously, please mention this during your vetting checks for eligibility assessment.
If you haven\’t held a Skilled Worker visa before the changes, consider your options for obtaining or maintaining your right to work in the UK.
Successful applicants must have and maintain the legal right to work in the Civil Service and the UK. More information on Skilled Worker visas and eligibility can be found here.
Someone like you
There\’s no typical prison officer. Our officers come from diverse backgrounds—parents, teachers, retail workers, armed forces—anyone with empathy, confidence, communication skills, and resilience. You will build positive relationships with prisoners and support your colleagues as part of a team.
This role requires working various shifts and some weekends. It\’s an extraordinary job where you\’ll perform different roles daily—peacekeeper, counselor, teacher—working directly with prisoners to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Nationality and eligibility
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and their family members with settled or pre-settled status under EUSS (more info)
- Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS by 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued rights to work in the Civil Service
Ensure you have and maintain the legal right to work in the UK and Civil Service. More details on nationality requirements are here.
Assessment process
During recruitment, your behaviors, strengths, and abilities will be assessed, including:
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring
Your strengths, motivation, and English skills (written and spoken) will also be evaluated. The process includes online tests (judgment and numerical skills), an online assessment centre, and medical and fitness checks (must be UK-based).
Security and vetting
Successful candidates will undergo enhanced vetting, including CTC checks. Proof of UK residency for the last 3 years is required. If you\’ve been abroad but maintained UK residency, you may still qualify.
Job offer and career progression
This is a merit-based vacancy. Successful candidates will be placed on a merit list for 12 months, with offers made to top scorers as positions become available. If unsuccessful, a six-month waiting period applies before reapplying.
If not selected as a prison officer, you may be offered an operational support grade role, assessed during the online assessment centre.
Additional information
Medical and fitness assessments are required and must be completed in the UK. The job involves shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Salary depends on weekly hours worked, with benefits including holiday entitlement, pension, and other schemes.
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Prison Officer employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you have all your documentation in order, especially proof of UK residency for the last three years. This is crucial for the Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC) vetting process, and having this ready will speed up your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the behaviours and strengths that will be assessed during the recruitment process. Practising scenarios related to communication, decision-making, and caring can help you demonstrate these skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the online tests by brushing up on your judgment and numerical skills. There are plenty of resources available online that can help you practice and improve in these areas before the assessment.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role involves shift work, think about your availability and flexibility. Being open to various shifts, including nights and weekends, can make you a more attractive candidate for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Prison Officer. Familiarise yourself with the skills needed, such as empathy, communication, and resilience, as well as the shift patterns involved.
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the nationality and residency requirements outlined in the job description. Proof of UK residency for the last three years is essential for the CTC vetting process, so gather any necessary documentation early on.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role of a Prison Officer. Emphasise any previous work in challenging environments or roles that required strong interpersonal skills.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready for the assessment process, which includes online tests and an assessment centre. Brush up on your judgment and numerical skills, and practice communicating your strengths and motivations clearly, as these will be evaluated.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a prison officer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as maintaining safety and security, building relationships with prisoners, and working as part of a team. This will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your empathy, communication skills, and resilience during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities, whether from previous jobs or personal situations. This is crucial as they are key traits for a successful prison officer.
✨Prepare for Assessments
Since the recruitment process includes online tests and assessments, practice your judgment and numerical skills beforehand. Familiarising yourself with the types of questions you might encounter can give you an edge and help reduce anxiety on the day.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Questions
Expect questions about your availability for various shifts, including nights and weekends. Be honest about your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the demands of the role, as this is an important aspect of being a prison officer.
