202510: Prison Officer - HMP Low Newton

Ministry of Justice; North East; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental institution in Durham is seeking a Prison Officer to work at HMP Low Newton. The role is unique, requiring communication and decision-making skills to ensure the safety and well-being of prisoners. Candidates must pass a medical assessment and be at least 18 years old. The position offers a starting salary of £35,875 for a 39-hour week, along with various benefits such as 25 days annual holiday and a civil service pension.

Benefits

25 days annual holiday

Paid time off for public holidays

Civil Service pension with employer contributions

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out various roles throughout the day.
• Ensure safety and well-being of prisoners.
• Engage in activities that promote rehabilitation.

Skills

Communicating and influencing

Managing a quality service

Making effective decisions

Caring

Job description

Job Title and Location

Prison Officer – HMP Low Newton

HMP Low Newton, Finchale Ave, Brasside, Durham DH1 5YA

Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)

City/Town: Durham | Region: North East | Vacancy type: Merit

Eligibility and Diversity

This vacancy is open to female applicants only as an occupational requirement exception under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. This post is not open to male applicants.

From 4 April 2024, the Government increased the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas. The change means that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot guarantee sponsorship for those seeking sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are applying to be a prison officer and you do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes. HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service. You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and the eligibility criteria here.

An Extraordinary Job

In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.

Assessment Criteria

During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:

• communicating and influencing
• managing a quality service
• making effective decisions
• caring

How to Apply

• Complete the initial application form.
• You will be invited to complete stage 1 of the online test, which evaluates basic judgement and numerical skills.
• Passing stage 1 qualifies you for stage 2, a task‑based assessment.
• Successful candidates for stage 2 receive an invitation to an online assessment centre (OAC).
• At the OAC, you will provide written responses to three behaviour‑based questions exploring your understanding of the prison officer role in a women’s prison and why you are interested in the role.
• After successfully completing the OAC and written responses, and upon receiving an offer, you will be invited to a medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing, basic health screening, including blood pressure check).

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
• Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment
• Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
• For safety reasons, meet a suitable standard of hearing
• Tattoos are permitted, including visible ones, so long as they are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons

Pay and Hours

The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours:

• 37 hours a week = £33,746 a year
• 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
• 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year

All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances that are applicable to the role/location. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39 hours per week shift pattern.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
• Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97 %
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits

Read more about prison officer benefits.

Job Offers and Merit Vacancy

This is a merit vacancy. Successful candidates at the OAC are entered into a merit list based on their score. The prison will make job offers to individuals with the highest scores first as positions become available. You can stay on the merit list for 12 months. After this period, you must apply again.

Operational Support Grade Role

Our OAC will also assess your suitability for appointment as an Operational Support Grade (OSG) role. If you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may offer you an alternative role as an OSG. Operational support grade - Ministry of Justice. The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of 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 has breached the principles, you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8 am - 6 pm).

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Reasonable Adjustment Support

Applying for reasonable adjustment support: tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need it.