Prison Officer

Serco; London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A global service provider is hiring a Prison Officer at HMP Thameside, London. This role involves supervising prisoners, managing work programs, and ensuring safety. The position offers a structured training program, competitive salary, and career development opportunities. Ideal candidates will possess the capacity to manage challenges in a diverse and dynamic environment.

Benefits

Flexible shift patterns

Free gym access

Competitive salary including overtime

Qualifications

• Experience in a security-related field is preferable.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and conflicts.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise prisoners in various activities.
• Oversee education and work programs.
• Conduct prisoner headcounts and manage security.

Skills

Supervising prisoners

Overseeing work and education programmes

Operational matters

Managing high-risk prisoners

Job description

Overview

HMP Thameside, SE28 0FJ

Up to £38,448 per annum. Permanent. Full time positions available (average 40 per week, with various shifts). Your starting salary will be £33,500 per annum, increasing to £34,550 after 12 months and to £38,448 on 3 years' service. We are committed to progressing you through your PCO Portfolio or PCO Apprenticeship, which would increase your salary to £38,448 as soon as either is completed (generally within 12–18 months).

Discover information about the Prison Officer role here. This position is based at HMP Thameside in London.

Responsibilities

• Supervising prisoners in all aspects of prison wing activity.
• Overseeing work and education programmes, encouraging prisoners to participate.
• Operational matters such as prisoner headcounts, cell searching, security, and administrative processes.
• Managing prisoners who are at risk of self-harm.

We operate 24/7, all year round, meaning you’ll cover shifts on days, evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays. We value work-life balance and operate on a rota basis to provide meaningful time off.

Recruitment Journey

You’ll complete an online assessment. If you pass, you’ll be invited to an interview, role play, written exercise, competency-based interview, and maths assessments, followed by a fitness test consisting of:

• Bleep Test – 15 metre shuttle runs to level 5.4 (approx. 3 minutes 40 seconds).
• Agility Test – course of cones within a set time.
• Shield Hold Test – holding shield at 45 degrees for 1 minute.
• Grip Test – 28kg (both hands).

After passing, you’ll attend a 10-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at the Prison, with 8 weeks classroom-based training and 2 weeks shadowing. The ITC provides a Diploma in Custodial Care, First Aid, and Control and Restraint training.

Benefits & Career Development

• Opportunity to earn approximately £44,000 including overtime (based on average 4 hours per week; overtime not guaranteed).
• Clear career development pathways into operational management with salaries £42,200–£48,200.
• Flexible shift patterns, free parking on site, free gym, free food on shift.
• Pension, Health & Wellbeing Benefits, Reward & Recognition, Serco discounts (cinema, online shopping, leisure memberships) and Blue Light discount card.

Why Serco

• Meaningful work to support health, safety, and wellbeing of prisoners, staff, and visitors; contribute to reducing reoffending.
• Opportunities to progress into Ops Management or specialist services (Psychology, Education, Health, or Animal Unit).
• Supportive training and colleagues in a diverse, inclusive environment.

Please note: the position is based at HMP Thameside. Consider commute time and transportation options. A 30-mile radius recommendation is provided for punctuality, work-life balance, and job satisfaction.

What Else to Know

Required: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Two years remaining on current visa and at least one year of UK residence are preferred; candidates should have right to work in the UK by other means if applicable. For general right-to-work guidance, visit the UK Home Office website.

Role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; offers are subject to security clearance checks and satisfactory references. You will need 5 years of checkable history and MOJ Enhanced Level 2 Clearance with adult and child barring vetting.

About Serco

Serco operates globally in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We support diversity and inclusion via networks and are committed to reasonable adjustments at interview and employment. Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer standards apply. For help with your application, contact j&[e-mail].

Apply

Click the apply button to submit your application. Closing dates may change with volume of applications; apply promptly. We encourage flexible working and support diverse candidates. Help with your application is available, including for those with unspent convictions via our Ban the Box pledge; discuss with the recruitment team via j&[e-mail].