Prison Officer

Work with Purpose: Transfer your Skills to a Career in the Prison service Our Prison Officers join us from a wide range of backgrounds — including customer service, administration, retail and hospitality, warehousing and logistics, health and social care, manufacturing, trades, operations and supervision, security, education and more. What you’ve done before doesn’t matter as much as how you work. We’re focused on transferable skills and behaviours such as strong communication, teamwork, resilience, patience, good time management, and the ability to de-escalate challenging situations. A commitment to customer service and upholding health and safety standards is key — the rest you’ll learn through our comprehensive 10-week training course and the ongoing support of experienced colleagues. Day to day, you’ll be involved in: Supervising prisoners across all aspects of prison wing activity Overseeing work and education programmes and encouraging participation Managing operational duties such as headcounts, cell searching, security and administrative processes Supporting and managing prisoners who may be at risk of self-harm
As a Prison Officer, you’ll be at the forefront of ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in your care. It’s a role where your contribution genuinely counts, as you help provide structure, encourage positive choices, and support prisoners on their journey towards rehabilitation. We operate 24/7, all year round, so you’ll work a rota covering days, evenings, weekends, nights and bank holidays. We understand the importance of work–life balance and operate a rota system that provides structure and flexibility, helping you plan meaningful time off to do the things you enjoy. What’s in it for you? Your starting annual salary will be £28,187 increasing to £29,271 after 12 months and increasing again to £33,337 after three years’ service. We\’re fully committed to supporting you through a nationally-recognised qualification for Prison Custody Officers: PCO Portfolio or PCO apprenticeship. This typically takes 12-18 months and – as soon as either is successfully completed – will increase your salary to £32,288. We also offer: Opportunity to earn approximately £37,800 including overtime (when available; this is based on an average of 4 hours per week) Clear career development pathways for you to transition quickly into operational management positions, with base salaries ranging from £37,000 to £42,000 Free parking on site, free use of the gym and free food on shift Pension scheme Health and wellbeing benefits Reward and recognition scheme Discounts including cinema, retail, dining, leisure centre memberships, mobile phone plans and more Option to apply for a Blue Light discount card
Your recruitment journey: You’ll be invited to complete an online assessment If successful, you’ll attend a virtual competency-based interview, along with Maths and English assessments Once passed, you’ll be invited to HMP Fosse Way for a Welcome Briefing about the prison and the role, a group session, a mobility assessment, and a guided visit around the prison After successfully completing the assessment process, you’ll attend a 10-week, paid Initial Training Course (ITC) at the prison (100% attendance is required), which includes eight weeks of classroom-based training, two weeks of on-the-job shadowing to experience the role first-hand, completion of a Diploma in Custodial Care, First Aid training, and Control and Restraint training, ensuring you have all the skills you need.
Why Serco? A place you can make an impact:
You’ll be key to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of prisoners, colleagues, and visitors, and play a vital role in reducing reoffending rates. A place you can count on:
This role offers a huge amount of variety and opportunity, with the chance to progress into operations management or specialist services such as Psychology, Education, Health, or the Animal Unit – as well as opportunities in our wider business! A place for you:
You’ll be part of a diverse and supportive team, with comprehensive training, guidance and advice from friendly, experienced colleagues.
Travel Please note that this position is based at HMP Fosse Way in Leicester, which has limited public transport options. Due to the nature of our shift patterns, we strongly encourage applicants to consider their commute time and transportation options before applying. Therefore, we recommend that candidates live within a 30-mile radius of the site to maintain punctuality, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. Employment Checks and Right to Work This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks, and satisfactory employment references. You’ll be required to provide five years of employment and education history as part of these checks.
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Candidates who already have a valid
right to work in the UK through an existing visa
must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria: Have at least two years remaining on your current visa to ensure sufficient time in the role. Have lived in the UK for at least one year, as the vetting process requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that period.
Ready to impact a better future? Apply today.