An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives.
If you have the integrity, skills, and strength of character we’re looking for, this fast-paced role could be the start of a successful career.
Address
HMP Guys Marsh, Guy's Marsh, Shaftesbury SP7 0AH
City / Town
Yeovil
Region
South West
Vacancy Type
Merit
Someone like you
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 their lowest point in life.
Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment, so you’ll need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and 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.
Find out more about this varied role and day-to-day life as a prison officer.
Job details
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
* be at least 18 years old at the point you commence employment
* meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements (see nationality requirements section below)
* pass a medical and fitness assessment as part of the application process
* meet the eyesight standard in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses)
* have a suitable standard of hearing (without hearing aids)
* ensure tattoos are not offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons
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 prisons are in rural locations with limited public transport; a driving license and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed, and it’s your responsibility to get to and from work on time. Please consider this before applying.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to:
* UK nationals
* Irish nationals
* Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
* EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein nationals and their family members with settled or pre-settled status under EUSS
* Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS before 31 Dec 2020
* Turkish nationals and certain family members with the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements is available.
From 4 April 2024, the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased, and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot guarantee sponsorship via the Skilled Worker route. Consider your options for maintaining your right to work in the UK accordingly.
Successful applicants must have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK and Civil Service.
Essential skills
You don’t need formal qualifications. Personal qualities are more important. You should demonstrate:
* effective communication and influencing skills
* commitment to quality
* effective decision-making
* care and understanding
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours/week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39, or 41 hours/week. Your salary will reflect your weekly hours:
* 37 hours = £32,448/year
* 39 hours = £34,494/year
* 41 hours = £36,541/year
All figures include applicable allowances.
Prisons operate 24/7, so shift patterns include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, which are added to your holiday entitlement. Most prisons have a changing shift pattern of 39 hours/week. Additional paid hours may be available.
Benefits
* 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 after 10 years’ service)
* Paid public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
* Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contributions
* Cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and other benefits
More about prison officer benefits can be found.
Assessment Process
You will be assessed on behaviors, strengths, and abilities, including:
* effective communication and influencing
* managing a quality service
* making effective decisions
* caring
Your natural strengths and motivation will also be evaluated, along with your numerical, written, and spoken English skills.
Online Tests
After submitting your application, you’ll complete stage 1 online test assessing judgment and numerical skills. Successful candidates proceed to stage 2, a task-based online test evaluating behaviors and qualities.
The online assessment centre (OAC)
Successful completion of online tests leads to an invitation to the OAC, where your abilities, behaviors, and strengths are further tested.
More about the application process is available.
Job offers: merit vacancy
This is a merit-based vacancy. Successful candidates at the assessment centre are added to a merit list based on their scores. Offers are made to the highest scorers first, for up to 12 months. Afterward, reapplication is necessary.
If unsuccessful at any stage, a six-month waiting period applies before reapplying.
The OAC also assesses suitability for an Operational Support Grade (OSG). If unsuccessful for the prison officer role, an alternative OSG role may be offered.
Medical and Fitness
If shortlisted, you’ll complete a medical and fitness test, including eyesight, hearing, and health screening.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code outlines expected behavior. Recruitment is based on merit, fairness, and transparency. Complaints can be made through designated channels.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service aims to attract, retain, and invest in diverse talent, guided by strategic plans and policies.
Reasonable adjustment support
As a Disability Confident employer, reasonable adjustments are available. Requests should be made well in advance of assessments to ensure proper support.
The role requires confidence in spoken English or Welsh (in Wales).
Allowance Details
Refer to the additional job description attachment.
Additional Information
For assistance, contact 0345 241 5358 or email, quoting reference 3637.
The role requires confidence in spoken English or Welsh (in Wales).
Closing date: 11 June 2025
Level of security checks required: Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS)
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