Overview
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with current immigration rules. From 22 July 2025, changes were introduced to the Skilled Worker visa route. The department cannot sponsor you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to the 22 July 2025 changes. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your vetting checks and eligibility will be assessed under the immigration rules and transitional provisions in place. Successful applicants must have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom. You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and the eligibility criteria here.
"Someone like you" There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our officers come from diverse backgrounds and bring empathy, self-confidence, strong communication skills and resilience. You’ll build constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners who could be at the lowest point in their lives. Teamwork is essential; you’ll work with colleagues as one team to keep the prison and everyone who works there safe. You will be required to work various shifts and some weekends.
One extraordinary job In this unique career, you’ll fulfil many roles in a single day — from peacekeeper to counsellor or teacher. You’ll work directly with prisoners in a unique environment, helping to protect the public and make a positive impact.
Responsibilities and selection process
During recruitment you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths and abilities needed to become an effective prison officer, including:
* communicating and influencing
* managing a quality service
* making effective decisions
* caring
Your natural strengths will be assessed to understand what motivates you. We will also assess your numerical, written English and spoken English abilities. The online and assessment processes include:
* Online Tests (stage 1): basic judgement and numerical skills
* Stage 2 online test (task-based assessment): natural behaviours and qualities
* Online Assessment Centre (OAC): assessments of abilities, behaviours and strengths
Read more about the application process.
Nationality and right to work
* nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under EUSS
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules. Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
Application process & assessments
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on the behaviours, strengths and abilities you need to become an effective prison officer. These include:
* communication and influencing
* managing a quality service
* making effective decisions
* caring
Your natural strengths are assessed to identify what motivates and energises you. We will also assess your numerical, written English and spoken English abilities.
Online Tests After your initial application, you will be invited to complete stage 1 online tests to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If successful, you’ll proceed to stage 2 online tests (task-based) to assess the needed behaviours and qualities. The Online Assessment Centre (OAC) will then be used to test your abilities, behaviours and strengths. Read more about the application process.
Job offers: merit vacancy This is a merit vacancy. If you are successful at the OAC, you will be placed on a merit list based on your score. Offers are made to the highest-scoring candidates when positions are available. The merit list lasts 12 months; after that you must reapply. If you are unsuccessful at the sift/assessment stage, a six-month waiting period applies during which you cannot submit further applications for prison officer positions.
Roles Operational Support Grade (OSG) can be offered if your OAC outcome indicates suitability beyond prison officer; you may be offered an alternative OSG role.
Medical, fitness and location
When a vacancy is identified, you will be invited to complete a medical and fitness test including eyesight, hearing and basic health screening (blood pressure). Medical and fitness assessments are UK-based.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets expectations for civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process breached the recruitment principles you can raise a formal complaint in the following order: 1) Shared Services Connected Ltd; 2) Ministry of Justice Resourcing; 3) The Civil Service Commission.
Diversity, inclusion and support
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. See the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for more information. We offer reasonable adjustment support to candidates who need it. Please arrange adjustments in advance of online tests or the Online Assessment Centre, as late requests may not be accommodated.
The Civil Service is committed to providing veterans with opportunities through the veterans initiative, including a guaranteed interview for those meeting minimum criteria. For details visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans.
Redeployment Interview Scheme provides opportunities to candidates at risk of redundancy. The MoJ offers interviews to eligible candidates who meet minimum selection criteria, subject to campaign limits. Redeployment eligibility does not apply to those applying for promotion.
Additional information
What’s it really like to work as a prison officer? An interactive online activity provides insight; responses in the activity do not form part of your application. Access the activity here: Interactive Activity.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications should be truthful and accurately reflect your own experience. Plagiarism or misrepresentation may result in withdrawal or disciplinary action. See candidate guidance for more information.
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.
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