Apply for Prison Officer role – HMP UK

Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service
Location: HMP Huntercombe, Nuffield, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5SB, South East England
Salary: £34,448 – £38,541 per year (including allowances)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Number of Positions Available: 20
Closing Date: 16th March 2025, 11:55 pm

Job Summary

Prison officers play a critical role in protecting the public and positively influencing prisoners’ lives. The role requires integrity, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills to manage daily interactions with prisoners while ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Building positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
• Maintaining security and order within the prison.
• Supporting the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners.
• Acting as a peacekeeper, mentor, and counsellor.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure safety.
• Adapting to various roles throughout the day, depending on the needs of the prison.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must meet Civil Service Nationality requirements (UK nationals, Republic of Ireland citizens, and certain other eligible nationalities).
• Must pass a medical and fitness assessment.
• Must meet the required eyesight and hearing standards.
• Tattoos are permitted but must not be offensive or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
• To work in a high-security prison (Category A), candidates must have lived in the UK for the last three years.

Skills & Competencies Required

• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to make effective decisions.
• Commitment to high-quality service delivery.
• Empathy, resilience, and understanding of diverse individuals.

Salary & Working Hours

• 37 hours per week: £34,448 per year
• 39 hours per week: £36,494 per year
• 41 hours per week: £38,541 per year

Shift patterns include evenings, some nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 10 years).
• Paid time off for public holidays and an extra privilege day.
• Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contribution.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, travel loans, and other benefits.

Recruitment Process

1. Online Application – Complete an application form.
2. Online Tests – Assess judgement and numerical skills.
3. Online Assessment Centre (OAC) – Evaluate behaviours, strengths, and suitability for the role.
4. Merit-Based Selection – Candidates are ranked based on assessment scores.
5. Medical & Fitness Test – Includes eyesight, hearing, and general health screening.

Additional Information

• Merit Vacancy: Candidates are placed on a waiting list for up to 12 months.
• Alternative Role Consideration: Unsuccessful candidates may be offered an Operational Support Grade (OSG) role, which requires a valid driving licence.
• Diversity & Inclusion: The Civil Service promotes equal opportunities and supports applicants with disabilities through reasonable adjustments.
• Veterans’ Initiative: Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible Armed Forces veterans.

Application & Contact Details

• Recruitment Queries:
• Email: Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
• Phone: 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm)