HM Prison and Probation Service
202607: Prison Officer - HMP Bullingdon
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202607: Prison Officer - HMP Bullingdon
Prison Officer – HMP Bullingdon
Location: Patrick Haugh Rd, Bicester, OX25 1PZ Starting Salary: £40,316 (39-hour week including 20% unsocial hours allowance) Vacancy Type: Merit Region: South East England Closing Date: 23rd July 2026
About the Role
An Extraordinary Career with Impact Prison officers are instrumental in protecting the public while helping transform the lives of prisoners. This dynamic role offers a varied fast-paced career for those with:
- Instinctive integrity
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Empathy and resilience
There’s no "typical" prison officer. Whether your background is teaching, the armed forces, retail, parenting, or natural people skills, you’ll bring valuable insight to this diverse workforce where building relationships is key to rehabilitation.
What You’ll Do
In one day, you could serve as:
- A peacekeeper resolving conflicts
- A counsellor offering support
- A mentor guiding towards rehabilitation
- A teacher or vocational coach
Your work safeguards the community while fostering positive change behind bars.
Requirements
Essential Criteria
✅ 18+) years old by start date ✅ Legal right to work in the UK (Sponsorship is not confirmed—check eligibility per UK rules)
✅ Medical and Fitness Standards
- Clearance for physical activity
- Meets vision standards (with/without corrective lenses)
- Satisfactory hearing (no hearing aids permitted for hearing tests)
- Tattoos must not be offensive, discriminatory, or intimidating. Facial tattoos generally disqualify unless cultural/religious/medical exceptions apply.
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✅ Category A Prison Eligibility (high security): Must have resided in the UK for the past 3 years.
Nationality Prerequisites
Open to:
- UK and Irish nationals
- Commonwealth citizens rights-resident in the UK
- EU/Swiss/Norwegian/Liechtenstein nationals with settled/pre-settled EUSS status
- Turkish citizens as permitted under UKCS rules
Pay & Conditions
- Training phase: 37 hrs/week (£38,428/year)
- Post-training options:
- 37 hrs: £38,428
- 39 hrs: £40,316
- 41 hrs: £42,834
- Shift work: 7-day, 24-hour operation includes evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays (rewarded with additional holiday entitlement).
Opportunities for paid overtime exist and rotations will be announced.
Benefits
- 25 days’ leave (30+ after 10 years)
- 1 extra privilege day/year
- Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution)
- Cycle-to-work scheme & travel loans
Application Process
- Online Sift: Accessible via justicejobs.tal.net (jobs reference 19421)
- Value Check: Ensure you meet eligibility for a Category A prison (3 years UK residency requirement).
- Assessment:
- Stage 1: Basic numeral/judgment skills test
- Stage 2: Values-based web-assessment
- Online Assessment Centre (OAC): Tests for behaviours (e.g., communication, decision-making) and abilities.
- urinary stage failures for 6 months—retry via a new campaign.* Mergit-based offers are offered in ranking priority.
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If you decline an OPC or are unsuccessful for role:
➡️ An alternative role as an Operational Support Grade (OSG) will also be considered.
Key Considerations
- Commute: Shift times are fixed—transport is your responsibility. Preparations should be based on this.
- Security & Background Check: Mandatory for entry.
- Medical/Fitness: Attended in the UK only. Tests include vision hearing blood pressure.(mushaded when noted) requires candidates to setthing
Diversity & Reasonable Adjustments
🔹 Disability Confident Employer: Offers accommodations (e.g., reasonable support). Requires early notification. 🔹 Veterans’ Guarantee Scheme: Eligible veterans meet minimum criteria will receive guaranteed interviews. Visit Civil Service Veterans Initiatives.
Contact
Support needed? Call: 0345 241 5358 or email: SSCLRecruitment.Enquirements.Moj(@sscl.gov.uk) Quote job reference code: 19421
Supported Resources:
- Interactive online activities to explore the role
- Career information applicable to prospective officers
Application available at Henry and McCloskey’s portal. No candidates will receive interview feedback unless a minimum interview is attended.
Note: This merit vacancy does not guarantee sponsorship. UK-research eligibility before applying is advised—to ensure standing consistency.
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