HM Prison and Probation Service
202607: Prison Officer - HMP Onley
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202607: Prison Officer - HMP Onley
Prison Officer – HMP Onley
(Band 3, Merit Vacancy)
📍 Location HMP Onley, Rugby, CV23 8AP | East Midlands
About the Role
An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners’ lives. If you have the integrity, skills and strength of character the HM Prison & Probation Service is looking for, this dynamic role could be the start of a highly rewarding career.
The Challenges
There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our team comes from diverse backgrounds—teachers, retail workers, military veterans, parents—anyone with:
- Empathy for people in crisis
- Resilience and confidence in high-pressure environments
- Strong communication skills to build trust and professional relationships
- Problem-solving ability in unpredictable situations
No matter the challenge—whether supporting vulnerable individuals or maintaining team cohesion—you’ll work collaboratively to keep the prison safe and secure.
Key Daily Responsibilities
Your day will be varied, demanding, and pivotal. As a prison officer, you may:
- Act as a peacekeeper, maintaining strict order and safety protocols
- Provide counselling/mentoring to support rehabilitation
- Lead educational or rehabilitative programming
- Enforce rules not just with authority but with justice and fairness
(You can explore day-to-day operations through our Interactive Activity to see if it’s the right fit for you.)
Job Details
Starting Salary
£36,816 per year (for 39 hours/week, including 20% unsocial hours allowance) Additional weekly options available:
- 37 hours/week → £34,928
- 41 hours/week → £39,334
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must:
✅ Be at least 18 years old at start of employment ✅ Meet Civil Service nationality requirements:
- UK/EU nationals or nationals of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK
- Family members of EEA/Swiss citizens under EU Settlement Scheme
- Turkish nationals with work eligibility in the Civil Service
- (See full nationality requirements →)
✅ Pass a medical and fitness test including
- Eyesight check (both with/without correction must meet standards)
- Hearing assessment (no hearing aids permitted)
- Blood pressure/basic health screening
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✅ Be of suitable standard of mental and physical health for a physically active role ✅ Reside in the UK for at least 3 years if applying to Category A prisons (high security)
✅ Pass a security check (criminal record background check)
❌ Facial tattoos are generally not accepted, unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons
Pay & Fixed Hours
- Includes 20% unsocial working allowance
- Shift work (changeable days/evenings/weekends/public holidays added to holiday allowance)
- Flexible leave: 25 days/year (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- 1 extra paid privilege day
Work During Training
Training occurs at:
- 37 hours/week (higher hours inclusive)
- Duration: ~11 weeks
- Basic pay: £31,325 (if selected to enter training) + 20% unsocial
Recruitment Process
Selection Criteria
Your application will evaluate your strengths in:
- Communication & Influencing (talking to people effectively)
- Quality Commitment (dedication to duty and service)
- Effective Decision-Making (judgement in diverse scenarios)
- Care & Understanding (empathy, approaching individuals sensitively)
Assessment Stages
From application through to potential offer:
🔹 Online Sift (Judgement/ numerical tests)
- Measures foundational reasoning skills
🔹 Stage 2 – Values-Based Assessment
- Examines alignment with prison service values
- (Success in this test within 6 months allows reapplication if needed.)
🔹 Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
- Tests abilities, behaviours, and soft skills through simulations and tasks
- If unsuccessful, offers may be made for a supporting role as Operational Support Grade (OSG)
🔹 Candidate Selection & Merit List
- Merit-ranking scores determine job offers
- Places held for 12 months before reapplication required
🔹 Security & Medical Pre-Checks
- Candidates must:</li>
- Lowest منبعзм: Be functional in spoken English (or Welsh, if in Wales)
Criminal Background Check & Security
All housing near HM Prison facilities requires compliance with Civil Service security standards.
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Benefits & Support
Civil Service Benefits
- Pension scheme with 28.97% employer contribution (equivalent to £10,118/year add-on)
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- Travel loans & monthly commuter benefit
- Italian (նիotherapeutic support included for those experiencing mental health challenges)
Procedure Sponsorships
- Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered for specific candidates only—note: unlikely due to current immigration demand.
- Applicants must confirm they can legally work in the UK. Sponsorship is not guaranteed.
Additional Notes
No Guarantee of Sponsorship
Due to work and waiting periods, if you require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role, regrettably: ❌ Unlikely for applicants utilizing the advertised path ✅ Requires independent application or alternative campaign
Veterans Initiative
HVAC Civil Service offers a ‘Guaranteed Interview Scheme for ex-military candidates meeting minimum criteria. Learn more
Application Process
📝 Closing Date: July 23rd, 2026 (job reference: 19544) 📧 Contact for Support:
- Enquiries: 0345 241 5358 or send an email to Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
- (Specify reference number as part of your communication)
🌐 Other Useful Links
- Prison Officer Interactive Activity – Experienced hypothetical scenarios
- Person Specifications
- Visit Candidate Portal
Supporting Document: Safe-Decent-and-Secure Role Specifics
Disclaimer: Due to the ongoing disability accommodation policies, it is crucial for accommodation requests to be notified in advance. As part of our Disability Confident employer initiatives:
We offer reasonable practical support for assessments. Selected candidates will be invited to explain any adaptation requirements during stage 1.
⚠ Holding a Valid Driving Licence is preferred (owing to potential rural sites), but not mandatory
✏ Questioning your choice? Examine another view of what daily life entails through interactive challenges
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