Prison Officer – HMP Gartree – Apply Now

Location: Market Harborough, Leicestershire (LE16 7RP)

Business Unit: Gartree

Job ID: 5571

Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)

Working Hours: Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working

Salary: £32,448 – £36,541 (based on weekly hours)

Closing Date: 20 May 2025

About the Role

This is no ordinary job. As a Prison Officer at HMP Gartree, you’ll be part of a tight-knit team that makes a real difference every day. You’ll help protect the public, support your colleagues, and guide prisoners through meaningful change.

Who They’re Looking For

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to being a prison officer. Whether you’ve worked in retail, education, the military, or have just got a good sense of people, your attitude matters most. You’ll need:

• Strong communication and listening skills
• Confidence and resilience
• A calm, caring and practical approach
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and order on prison wings and units
• Build trust and motivate prisoners to turn their lives around
• Handle challenging situations with a clear head
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure smooth operations

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Pass fitness and medical assessments
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements
• Meet eyesight and hearing standards
• Have lived in the UK for the past 3 years (for Category A prisons)

Note: Tattoos must not be offensive or intimidating. Facial tattoos are only acceptable for cultural, medical or religious reasons.

Hours and Pay

• 37 hours/week: £32,448
• 39 hours/week: £34,494
• 41 hours/week: £36,541

You may also get paid for extra hours. Shift work includes nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday (rising to 30 after 10 years)
• Public holidays + 1 extra Civil Service privilege day
• Generous Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution)
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and more

Recruitment Process

The selection process includes:

• Initial application and online tests (judgement and numeracy)
• Stage 2 task-based assessment
• Online Assessment Centre (OAC) covering communication, decision-making, and caring qualities

This vacancy runs on merit. Top scorers from the OAC will be placed on a list, and job offers will be made based on ranking.

Additional Notes

Access to a car is helpful as public transport is limited. You must ensure reliable travel to and from the prison for shift work.

Sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa is no longer guaranteed. Ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Ready to Apply?

If you want a career that challenges you, supports others, and truly makes an impact—this could be the role for you.