At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support prisoners in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Company: Join HMP Eastwood Park, a women's prison focused on rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for additional paid shifts.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; perfect for those seeking meaningful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and great communication skills are essential; no formal qualifications needed.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Location: Bristol, South West
Salary: £35,875 (39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
Job Overview
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives. We are working in a women’s prison so many challenges differ from a male prison; many inmates have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse and may lack trust in staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Protect the public and maintain safety within the prison environment.
- Build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
- Work various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, within a 39 hour week.
- Support colleagues, acting as one team to keep the prison and everyone safe.
- Perform various roles throughout the day – from peacekeeper to counsellor or teacher.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older at the start of employment.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment.
- Meet required eyesight standard in both eyes (with and without corrective lenses).
- Meet suitable hearing standard without hearing aids.
- Tattoos must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- For a category A prison, you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Travel to Work
A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not an essential requirement, unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed; you must be able to reach work on time.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals
- Nationality of the Republic of Ireland
- Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with accrued rights to work in the Civil Service
Essential Skills
You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important: empathy, self‑confidence, great communication skills, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to support colleagues.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you may choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week; your salary will reflect the hours chosen.
Benefits
- Pay includes applicable allowances.
- Prisons operate 24/7, so opportunities for additional paid hours are available.
- Shifts include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, which are added to your holiday allowance.
Application Process
Assessment includes online tests (numerical, written and spoken English), a values‑based test, an online assessment centre, and medical and fitness tests (eyesight, hearing, basic health screening). Successful candidates receive a job offer immediately if a vacancy exists or are placed on a reserve list.
Legal / EEO Statement
“A Great Place to Work for Veterans” initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces. The department respects equality and offers reasonable adjustment support where needed.
Closing Date
10th June 2026
Prison Officer - HMP Eastwood Park employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Eastwood Park is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare of both its staff and the women in its care. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a supportive team culture, we empower our prison officers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of prisoners while ensuring public safety. Located in Bristol, our facility offers unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer - HMP Eastwood Park
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in a women's prison. Understanding the emotional and psychological backgrounds of the inmates can help you build those crucial relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a prison officer, you'll need to be able to connect with people from all walks of life. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling difficult conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and healthy! You'll need to pass medical and fitness assessments, so make sure you're in good shape. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will not only help you pass but also prepare you for the physical demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, you'll find loads of resources to help you prepare for the assessment process. Don't miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer - HMP Eastwood Park
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Prison Officer role at HMP Eastwood Park. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Focus on the essential skills mentioned in the job description, like empathy, communication, and teamwork. Give examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in past roles or situations. We’re looking for those personal qualities that make a great prison officer!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process right there.
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, especially in a women's prison. Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges faced by female inmates and think about how your personal qualities like empathy and resilience can help you build trust and rapport.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a prison officer, communication is key. During the interview, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully resolved conflicts or built relationships, as this will show that you can handle the diverse roles of a prison officer.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would respond. This will not only show your critical thinking but also your readiness to support colleagues and maintain safety.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Support
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This is crucial in a prison environment where teamwork is essential for maintaining safety and supporting one another.
