A career as a Prison Officer offers the opportunity to protect the public, positively impact prisoners' lives, and develop a rewarding career with long-term stability and growth.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, retail worker, ex-armed forces, or simply someone who naturally connects with people, your skills are valued. In this unique role, no two days are the same — one moment you could be a peacekeeper, the next a counsellor or mentor.
- Salary: £34,448–£38,541 per year
- Job Type: Full Time
- Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
About the Role
An extraordinary job done by someone like you.
As a prison officer, you will play a vital role in protecting the public and positively impacting prisoners’ lives. If you have the integrity, communication skills, and resilience to face daily challenges, this could be the start of a rewarding and impactful career.
Prison officers come from all backgrounds — whether you have experience in retail, teaching, the armed forces, or you're simply a people person, you can make a real difference.
Responsibilities
- Maintain safety and security within the prison environment.
- Build positive, professional relationships with prisoners.
- Act as a peacekeeper, counsellor, and mentor.
- Support colleagues and work effectively as part of a team.
- Adapt to different situations in a fast-paced environment.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of employment.
- Meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight and hearing standards.
- Have no offensive, violent, or intimidating tattoos (facial tattoos generally not accepted except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons).
- Have lived in the UK for the past 3 years if applying for a high-security prison role.
- Have the right to work in the UK without reliance on new sponsorship.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (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
Skills Required
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Commitment to quality service
- Effective decision-making under pressure
- Care, empathy, and resilience
Salary and Working Hours
- 37 hours/week: £34,448
- 39 hours/week: £36,494
- 41 hours/week: £38,541
- Includes allowances for Bedford location. Shift patterns include evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Benefits
- 25 days of annual leave (rising to 30 after 10 years)
- Paid public holidays plus 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service Pension (employer contribution: 28.97%)
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and more
- Additional paid hours opportunities
Assessment Process
- Online Tests: Basic judgement and numerical skills, task-based behaviour assessment.
- Online Assessment Centre: Tests communication, decision-making, quality management, and care competencies.
- Submission of CV/Resume and Cover Letter.
Travel Consideration
Some prison locations are in rural areas with limited public transport. While driving is not essential, own transport is recommended for reliability.
How to Apply
If you’re ready for a stable, impactful career and meet the eligibility criteria, APPLY NOW before the deadline:
May 9, 2025
