Prison Officer

Serco Group Plc; Quorn; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading prison service provider in the UK is seeking candidates for the role of Prison Officer. You will manage the health and safety of prisoners while covering various shifts in a secure environment. The starting salary is £28,187 per annum, with increases based on performance and time served. This position offers comprehensive training and numerous career progression opportunities in operational management or specialist services, along with various benefits including free parking and discounts.

Benefits

Free parking on site

Free food during shifts

Pension scheme

Health & wellbeing benefits

Reward & recognition scheme

Serco discounts for cinema and shopping

Qualifications

• Valid right to work in the UK.
• Successful security clearance checks.
• Satisfactory employment references.

Responsibilities

• Manage prisoners at risk of self-harm.
• Cover shifts across various times, including weekends and holidays.
• Conduct prisoner headcounts and security processes.
• Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and prisoners.

Job description

About the Role

You will be invited to complete an online assessment, followed by a virtual competency‑based interview, Maths and English assessment. If successful, you will attend a 10‑week Initial Training Course (ITC) at the prison, requiring 100% attendance. The ITC consists of 8 weeks of classroom training and 2 weeks of shadowing, where you will earn a Diploma in Custodial Care, First Aid and complete Control and Restraint training.

Training and Development

Prison Officers play a key role in ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors. Our prisons offer opportunities to progress into Ops Management or specialist services such as Psychology, Education, Health or the Animal Unit. You will receive comprehensive training and support from friendly colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Managing prisoners who are at risk of self‑harm
• Covering shifts on days, evenings, weekends, nights and bank holidays (24/7 operation)
• Performing prisoner headcounts, cell searching, security and administrative processes
• Ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone around you

Qualifications and Eligibility

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all offers are subject to security clearance checks and satisfactory employment references. It is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Candidates must have a valid right to work in the UK and meet the below minimum eligibility criteria. For general right‑to‑work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.

Benefits and Salary

• Starting salary £28,187 pa, increasing to £29,271 after 12 months, then £33,337 after 3 years; progression to £32,288 once PCO portfolio/apprenticeship is completed.
• Potential to earn approximately £37,800 including average overtime (4 hrs per week).
• Clear career development pathways to operational management positions with salaries ranging from £37,000 to £42,000.
• Free parking on site.
• Free food during shifts.
• Pension scheme, health & wellbeing benefits, reward & recognition scheme.
• Serco discounts – cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships, and a Blue Light discount card.

Career Path

We are committed to progressing staff through the PCO portfolio or apprenticeship, which can increase your salary to £32,288 within 12–18 months of joining. Opportunities to progress into operational management or specialist services are available.

How to Apply

Read the full job details and double‑check you meet the required skills before submitting your application. Click "Apply now" to begin the process.