At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support prisoners' rehabilitation in a high-security environment.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, and additional perks like travel loans.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a peacekeeper and mentor while building positive relationships with prisoners.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass health assessments, and have UK residency for 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 38003 £ per year.
Sponsorship is not guaranteed, and applicants are responsible for ensuring they have, and can maintain, the appropriate right to work in the UK. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for this role, subject to eligibility and in line with the UK Immigration Rules in force at the time of application. However, due to current immigration requirements and recruitment timescales, candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored if applying to this campaign. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider their right to work in the UK carefully before applying. Information about Skilled Worker visas and eligibility criteria is available on gov.uk. The Department will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service. Due to the security status of this prison a Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) will need to be undertaken. Proof that you have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years is needed to complete the CTC vetting process. Applicants who do not meet the residency requirement will not be able to take up the post at this prison.
Role Overview: As a prison officer you will protect the public and help make a positive impact on prisoners' lives. The job requires you to adapt throughout the day – you may act as a peacekeeper, counsellor, or teacher. You will work directly with prisoners in a high‑security environment, building constructive, professional relationships and supporting your colleagues as a single team. The role involves various shifts, including weekends, evenings, nights, public holidays, and public holiday cover.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain safety and security within the prison.
- Build positive relationships with prisoners and staff.
- Support prisoners’ well‑being and rehabilitation through counselling, teaching and other interventions.
- Ensure the prison operates as a safe and supportive environment for all.
- Work as part of a team and support colleagues during shifts.
- Maintain professional behaviour and comply with all relevant regulations and policies.
Qualifications & Personal Attributes:
- Be at least 18 years old at the point of commencement.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight and hearing tests.
- Provide evidence of successful payment of UK residency for the past 3 years.
- Have visible tattoos that are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating.
- Possess communication, influencing and decision‑making skills.
- Show commitment to quality, care and understanding.
- Communicate confidently in English (and Welsh where required).
Pre‑Employment Checks:
- Enhanced Level 2 vetting (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service).
- Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC).
- Proof of UK residency for the last 3 years.
- Background checks as required by the security status of the establishment.
Medical & Fitness Requirements:
- Basic health screening, eyesight and hearing tests.
- No medical assessment outside the UK.
- Participants must attend a UK‑based medical and fitness assessment centre.
Assessment Process:
- Initial online test covering basic judgement and numerical skills.
- Values‑based assessment (stage 2) to evaluate alignment with prison officer values.
- Online assessment centre to assess behaviours, strengths and suitability.
- Successful candidates enter a merit list and receive job offers based on score.
Benefits & Compensation:
- Annual holiday: 25 days (increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service).
- Paid time off for public holidays and an additional privilege day.
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.
- Salary varies by weekly hours:
- 37 hours a week – £33,746 per year.
- 39 hours a week – £35,875 per year.
- 41 hours a week – £38,003 per year.
Additional Information:
- Some roles may offer an alternative operational support grade (OSG) position if an applicant is unsuccessful in becoming a prison officer.
- Veterans may be eligible for a guaranteed interview scheme through the "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to Work for Veterans" initiative.
- Redeployment interview scheme applies to employees at risk of redundancy and not to promotion applicants.
Prison officer - HMP Full employer: Ministry of Justice
As a prison officer at HMP Full, you will join a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on the lives of prisoners while ensuring safety and security in a high-stakes environment. The role offers competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, annual leave that increases with service, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within the Civil Service. With a supportive work culture that values teamwork and resilience, this position is ideal for those seeking meaningful employment that contributes to public safety and rehabilitation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison officer - HMP Full
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ministry of Justice, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Ministry of Justice and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison officer - HMP Full
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
