202503: Prison Officer - HMP Guys Marsh

HM Prison Service; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The HM Prison Service is seeking Prison Officers to enhance public safety and positively influence the lives of prisoners. Candidates must embody integrity, empathy, and effective communication skills, with flexible working hours and comprehensive benefits including pension and annual leave.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after 10 years)

Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contributions

Paid public holidays and an extra privilege day

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and influencing skills are necessary.
• Commitment to quality and effective decision-making is essential.
• Demonstrated care and understanding are required.

Responsibilities

• Protect the public while positively impacting prisoners' lives.
• Build constructive relationships with prisoners and colleagues.
• Work various shifts as part of a dedicated team.

Skills

Communication

Decision-Making

Caring

Influencing

Job description

Job description 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

Salary

GBP32,448 - GBP36,541

City / Town

Yeovil

Region

South West

Vacancy Type

Merit

About the Role

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. You will build constructive, positive, and professional relationships with prisoners, supporting your colleagues as part of a team to keep everyone safe.

This role involves working various shifts, including some weekends. You will perform many different roles during your day, from peacekeeper to counselor or teacher, directly working with prisoners to protect the public and make a positive impact.

Job Details

Eligibility

• be at least 18 years old at the start of employment
• meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
• pass a medical and fitness assessment
• meet eyesight standards in both eyes
• have a suitable standard of hearing (without hearing aids)
• tattoos must not be offensive or discriminatory; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons
• for high-security (category A) prisons, residency in the UK for the last 3 years is required

Travel to Work

Some prisons are in rural areas with limited public transport; a driving license and own transport are beneficial but not essential. Shift start and end times are fixed; ensure you can commute reliably.

Nationality Requirements

This role is open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth nationals with the right to work, EU/EEA/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and others as specified. Further details are available on the official recruitment site.

Skills

No formal qualifications are required; personal qualities are more important. You should demonstrate:

• excellent communication and influencing skills
• commitment to quality
• effective decision-making
• care and understanding

Pay

Training is 37 hours/week. After training, you may work 37, 39, or 41 hours/week, with salaries accordingly:

• 37 hours: GBP32,448/year
• 39 hours: GBP34,494/year
• 41 hours: GBP36,541/year

All salaries include applicable allowances. Prison shifts operate 24/7, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, with options for additional paid hours.

Benefits

• 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after 10 years)
• Paid public holidays and an extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contributions
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and more

Assessment Process

Applicants will be assessed on key behaviors, strengths, and abilities, including communication, decision-making, caring, and managing quality. Your motivations and natural strengths will also be evaluated, along with numerical and English language skills.

Online Tests

Initial application leads to online tests assessing judgment and numerical skills. Successful candidates proceed to stage 2, testing behaviors and qualities. An online assessment center follows to evaluate overall suitability.

Job Offer and Merit List

This is a merit-based vacancy. Successful candidates are placed on a merit list for 12 months. Positions are filled based on scores, starting with the highest. If unsuccessful, there is a six-month waiting period before reapplication.

Operational Support Grade Role

Candidates may be considered for an alternative role as an Operational Support Grade if not selected as a prison officer.

Medical and Fitness

Selected candidates will undergo medical and fitness testing, including eyesight, hearing, and health screening.

Working for the Civil Service

All recruits must have and maintain the legal right to work in the UK and Civil Service. The recruitment process is fair and merit-based. For concerns, contact Shared Services.

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