Prison Officer

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

Job summary

A leading corrections services provider in London is seeking a dedicated Prison Officer. In this role, you will supervise prisoners, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while facilitating their rehabilitation. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training and benefits. This position requires working on a flexible shift pattern at HMP Thameside.

Benefits

Free gym use

Sales discounts

Free parking on site

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have a valid right to work in the UK.
• Able to pass a fitness test and security clearance checks.
• Experience in a similar role is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Supervise prisoners during activities and programs.
• Conduct headcounts and ensure security protocols.
• Support prisoners in their rehabilitation journey.

Skills

Supervising prisoners

Emergency response

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fitness equipment

Job description

Overview

As a Prison Officer, you'll be at the forefront of ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone around you. It's a job where your contribution really counts as you work to give prisoners structure within their lives, encourage positive choices, and support them on their journey to rehabilitation.

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, prison cell searching, security, and administrative processes.
• Managing prisoners who are at risk of self-harm.

Working hours and training

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

Preparing for your recruitment journey: You’ll be invited to complete an online assessment. If you pass, you’ll attend an interview with a short role play, written exercise, competency-based interview, and maths assessments. You’ll also undergo a fitness test consisting of:

• Bleep Test with 15 metre shuttle runs (approximately 3 minutes 40 seconds to reach level 5.4).
• Agility Test: running around a set course of cones within a time limit.
• Shield Hold Test: holding a shield out in front of you at a 45-degree angle for 1 minute.
• Grip Test: 28 kg (on both hands).

Once you’ve passed the assessment, you’ll attend a 10-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at the Prison, which requires 100% attendance. This consists of 8 weeks of classroom-based training and 2 weeks shadowing. ITC provides high-quality training; you’ll complete a Diploma in Custodial Care, First Aid, and undergo Control and Restraint training.

Why Serco?

• Meaningful and vital work: Prison Officers help ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of prisoners, staff, and visitors, and contribute to reducing reoffending rates.
• A world of opportunity: Prisons offer variety and opportunities to progress into Ops Management or specialist services such as Psychology, Education, Health, or the Animal unit.
• Great people: With safeguarding and rehabilitation emphasis, prisons are calmer and you’ll receive training and support from colleagues.

Please note that this position is based at HMP Thameside in London. Due to shift patterns, consider commute time and transportation options. We recommend candidates live within a 30 mile radius to maintain punctuality, work-life balance, and job satisfaction.

What else do I need to know?

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. We encourage applications to other roles; candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other routes must meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa.
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year.

For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers are subject to security clearance checks and satisfactory employment references. You will be required to provide 5 years of employment and education history as part of these checks. You will also obtain Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 Clearance & Enhanced DBS with adult and child barring vetting clearances (which require 5 years of checkable history).

Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria. Details at the time of recruitment may vary in high-volume periods.

Location, Salary and Benefits

HMP Thameside, SE28 0FJ. Permanent, full-time positions available (average 40 hours per week, with various shifts).

Your starting salary is £33,500 pa, increasing to £34,550 after 12 months, and to £38,448 after 3 years’ service. There is potential to increase to £38,448 through the PCO Portfolio or PCO Apprenticeship within 12–18 months. Other benefits include:

• Opportunity to earn approximately £44,000 including overtime (based on an average of 4 hours per week; overtime availability is not guaranteed).
• Clear career development pathways into operational management positions (£42,200–£48,200).
• Flexible shift patterns; free parking on site; free gym use; free meals on shift.
• Pension and health & wellbeing benefits; reward & recognition; Serco discounts (e.g., cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships) and Blue Light discount card.