There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our officers come from different walks of life, just like the offenders they work with. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, have worked in retail, the armed forces, or just feel like you’re a natural people person, you’ll have the empathy, self-confidence, great communication skills and resilience we want. No matter the challenge, you’ll take the time to build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who could be at the lowest point in their lives.
Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment, so you’ll need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and understand the importance of acting as one team to keep the prison, and everyone who works here safe.
You will be required to work various shifts and some weekends.
An Extraordinary Job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. One minute you’re a peacekeeper, the next you’re a counsellor or a teacher. You’ll work directly with prisoners in a unique environment, helping to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Minimum Requirements
1. Be at least 18 years old at the point you commence employment.
2. Meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements.
3. As this is a physically active job, you will need to pass a medical and fitness assessment as part of the application process.
4. Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (both with and without corrective lenses).
5. For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids).
6. Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
7. To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Travel to Work
Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options; therefore, a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role (unless specified). Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed, and it is your responsibility to get to and from your place of work on time for the start of your shift.
Personal Qualities
You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important. You need to show:
1. Communication and influencing skills.
2. Commitment to quality.
3. Effective decision-making.
4. Care and understanding.
The jobholder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Assessment Process
During the recruitment process, you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths, and abilities you need to become an effective prison officer. These include:
1. Communicating and influencing.
2. Managing a quality service.
3. Making effective decisions.
Benefits
+ 25 days annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years service).
+ Paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day.
+ Civil Service pension of up to 20% of your salary.
+ Cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and other benefits.
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: Candidate Information Page
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