At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect the public and support prisoners' rehabilitation through education and counselling.
- Company: Join the Civil Service at HMP Onley, a place of growth and impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and resilience are key.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Location: HMP Onley, Rugby CV23 8AP. City/Town: Rugby. Region: East Midlands. Salary: £35,875 for a 39‑hour week (includes 20% unsocial hours). Vacancy type: Merit. Sponsorship: This role is not guaranteed to be sponsored for Skilled Worker visa. Applicants should verify their right to work in the UK before applying.
Prison officers protect the public and influence the lives of prisoners. They work a variety of shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays. Duties include maintaining safety, delivering education and training, providing counselling, and supporting prisoners’ rehabilitation.
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment (including eyesight and hearing).
- Meet required eyesight standard with and without corrective lenses.
- Standard hearing without hearing aids.
- Tattoos must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; visible tattoos are permitted, facial tattoos are generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
- For high‑security (Category A) prisons, you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Travel to Work
Parking and public transport may be limited. A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential, unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed; you must be able to reach the prison on time.
Nationality requirements
- UK nationals.
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK.
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS.
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.
Successful candidates must maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK.
Essential skills
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to quality.
- Effective decision‑making.
- Care and understanding.
Pay
Initial training is 37 hours a week. After training you may choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Annual salaries are:
- 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 figures include applicable allowances.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (increases to 30 days after 10 years of 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.
Assessment Process
- Communicating and influencing.
- Managing a quality service.
- Making effective decisions.
- Caring.
Additional assessments of numerical, written English and spoken English ability will be conducted.
Online Tests
After submitting your application you will complete stage 1 (basic judgement and numerical skills). If successful, you will be invited to stage 2 – a values‑based assessment.
Job Offers – Merit Vacancy
Successful candidates will be placed on a merit list after the online assessment centre. Positions become available as they are offered. The merit list is valid for 12 months; afterwards, you must re‑apply.
Medical and Fitness
Applicants will undergo a medical and fitness test covering eyesight, hearing, and basic health screening. Assessments can only be completed in the UK.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code outlines the standards of behavior expected of Civil Servants. Recruitment is by merit on fair and open competition. If a candidate believes the recruitment process has breached principles they may raise a complaint in the following order: Shared Services Connected Ltd – 0845 241 5358 (Mon‑Fri 08:00‑18:00) or email: Moj‑recruitment‑vetting‑enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Ministry of Justice Resourcing. The Civil Service Commission.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. Refer to the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable Adjustment Support
As a Disability Confident employer the MoJ ensures candidates can demonstrate their skills. Arrangements for reasonable adjustments should be made well in advance of online tests or assessment centre attendance.
Level of security checks required DBS Enhanced.
Closing Date 25 June 2026.
202606: Prison Officer - HMP Onley in Rugby employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Onley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the dedication and resilience of our Prison Officers. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including a Civil Service pension and ample annual leave. Working in Rugby, you will play a vital role in rehabilitation while enjoying a fulfilling career that makes a real difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Onley in Rugby
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace 202606: Prison Officer - HMP Onley in Rugby
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.
