HM Prison and Probation Service
202607: Prison Officer - HMP Gartree
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202607: Prison Officer - HMP Gartree
Prison Officer – HMP Gartree HMP Gartree, Gallow Field Rd, Leicestershire LE16 7RP
Role Overview
- Location: Leicester/Corby, East Midlands
- ** Starting Salary:** £36,816 per year (for a 39-hour week, including 20% unsocial hours allowance)
- Shift Pattern: Various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays (39-hour weekly average)
- Vacancy Type: Merit-based
- Employment Type: Permanent, Civil Service position
About the Role
Prison officers make a tangible difference by protecting the public and supporting prisoner rehabilitation. This role requires empathy, resilience, and strong teamwork, making it ideal for those with diverse backgrounds—whether from education, retail, the military, or other professions.
Duties span a wide range of challenges:
- Establish constructive relationships with inmates at critical points in their lives.
- Act as a peacekeeper, counsellor, or mentor in a dynamic environment.
- Contribute to prison safety and operational stability through collaboration with colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Psychological & Personal Engagement: Build professional but empathetic connections with prisoners.
- Varied Day-to-Day Work: Roles include conflict resolution, rehabilitation support, and educational guidance.
- Team Collaboration: Prioritise safety for staff and prisoners through cohesive teamwork.
- Shift Commitment: Regular work across evenings, nights, and weekends to maintain 24/7 prison operations.
Eligibility Criteria
Must Meet All:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old at commencement of employment.
- Nationality:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Commonwealth nationals (right to work in the UK required) or
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Note: For Category A (high-security) prisons, applicants must have resided in the UK for the last 3 years.
- Physical & Medical Standards:
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment (hearing, vision, and general health).
- Must meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (with/without correction).
- Hearing requirement without aids.
- Tattoo policy: Permitted if not offensive, discriminatory, or intimidating—facial tattoos are generally not accepted unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
- DBS Check: Criminal record checks required.
- Working Rights: Applicants are responsible for ensuring ongoing eligibility to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not guaranteed).
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Travel & Logistics
- Location Note: Some prisons are rural with limited public transport, so a driving licence and personal transport is helpful but not essential unless specified.
- Shift Compliance: Ensure timely attendance as shifts begin/end at fixed times.
Job Assessment Process
Success is evaluated through a multi-stage process:
-
Online Tests (Stage 1 & 2):
- Stage 1: Judgement & numerical skills assessment.
- Stage 2: Values-based assessment (communication, empathy, decision-making).
- Applicants who failed Stage 2 in the past 6 months may reapply.
-
Online Assessment Centre (OAC):
- Covers behaviours (communication, decision-making, teamwork), strengths, and abilities via video call.
-
Civil Service Merits System:
- Offers made to the highest-scoring candidates first, based on a 12-month merit list.
- Unsuccessful sift/assessment candidates face a 6-month wait period before reapplying.
-
Two Potential Outcomes:
- Confirmation as a Prison Officer (★).
- Alternatively, may be drafted to an Operational Support Grade (OSG) role.
-
Final Steps:
- Medical & Fitness Test (if selected).
- Security Clearance Checks (DBS and baseline personnel standards).
Pay & Working Hours
- Initial Training Phase: 37 weeks (37 hours/week).
- Post-Training: Choose between:
- 37-hour week (£34,928/year)
- 39-hour week (£36,816/year)
- 41-hour week (£39,334/year)
- Additional Overtime Opportunities: Potential for extra paid hours.
- Benefits: Includes public holiday leave, sickness pay, and the Civil Service Pension scheme.
Key Fringe Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 30 Days Holiday | Rises from 25 days (after 10 years) |
| Civil Service Pension Financing | 28.97% employer contribution |
| Additional Support Schemes | Cycle-to-work schemes, travel assistance, disability inclusion initiatives. |
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Diversity & Support Initiatives
- Great Place to Work for Veterans: Guaranteed interviews for eligible ex-military veterans (see MOJ Veterans Details).
- Redeployment Interviews: Practice for those at risk of redundancy, where eligible.
- Disability Confident Employer: Accommodates reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair assessment process.
Requirements for Success
Minimal formal qualifications are required. Essential strengths include:
- Communication & Influencing Skills
- Emotional Intelligence (care and empathy)
- Resilience & Judgement (under pressure)
- Commitment to Professional Behaviour
Selection Criteria Outline
(Refer to supporting document: Safe, Decent & Secure Job Description, pflicht)
Managing Quality & Decisions
- Ability to handle dilemmas and enforce policies effectively in unpredictable situations.
Judgement & Safety
- Prioritise inmate, colleague, and public safety at all times.
Outreach & Resources
- Interactive Role Preview Activity: Simulate daily scenarios via [link]: .avatar guide].
- Support Applicants:
- Email: Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com (quote ref: 19381)
- Phone: 0345 241 5358 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm)
- Civil Service Candidate Portal: About Our Organisation
Notes on Working Hours & Policies
- Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles: Whilst applicable, customers dissatisfied with processes can contact the Shared Services or raise a formal complaint by providing evidence of a fair recruitment breach.
Closing Date
23 July 2026 (“Must apply before then”).
Note: Consider your legal working rights thoroughly and prioritise alignment with UK Citizenship Rules.
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