HM Prison and Probation Service
202607: Prison Officer - HMP Swinfen Hall
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Prison Officer - HMP Swinfen Hall (YOI)
Location: Lichfield, West Midlands (England), WS14 9QS Starting Salary: £36,816 (for a 39-hour week, including 20% unsocial allowance)
About the Role
If you have the integrity, skills, and strength of character to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, this is an extraordinary opportunity for you. As a Prison Officer at HMP Swinfen Hall (YOI), you could change lives for the better—protecting the public and mentoring prisoners in a challenging but rewarding environment.
Who We’re Looking For
We seek_out a diverse mix of motivated individuals from all walks of life—parents, teachers, retail workers, armed forces personnel—and those who believe they’ve got what it takes to build positive, constructive relationships while safeguarding others.
Somebody who embodies practices like:
- Empathy and self-confidence
- Exceptional communication and resilience
- Commitment to professionalism, even in difficult situations
- Team-player mindset and high emotional intelligence
Why This Job Is Extraordinary
Every day brings different challenges, which may include acting as a peacekeeper, supporting mental health, or providing educational guidance. You will be part of a unique and ever-evolving role, making a difference with every shift.
Eligibility Criteria
To embark on this journey, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
- Meet Civil Service Nationality requirements (e.g., UK nationals, EU citizens, pre-settled EU status holders)
- Be medically fit and meet the standards for eyesight, hearing, and overall health
- Pass a clear fitness assessment (tests include basic endurance, strength, reaction speed, and mobility scores)
- No visible or facial tattoos deemed offensive, discriminatory, or intimidating (unless cultural, religious, or medical exceptions apply)
For high-security postings (e.g., Category A prisons), receipt of:
- Residency of at least 3 years in the UK is required.
Sponsorship Note
Sponsorship is not guaranteed, but attempts will be made within the context of UK immigration rules listed at gov.uk. However, due to current policy challenges, sponsorship remains uncertain for international candidates applying via this specific campaign.
Travel Considerations
- HMP Swinfen Hall is located in a rural setting, potentially lacking accessible public transport. An available driving license and vehicle preferred, though not mandatory unless specified otherwise.
Salary and Working Conditions
Compensation Structure
- Weekly Hours Options
- 37 hrs (£34,928 per annum)
- 39 hrs (£36,816 per annum)
- 41 hrs (£39,334 per annum)
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- Inclusions
- 20% unsocial allowance included in the quoted salary
- Shift Pattern: Prevailing 39-hour shifts (up to 7-day workweek) covering various shifts in evening, night, weekends, and public holidays
Premium Considerations
- Employees will receive additional paid hours (paid at 150% overtime rate)
- After successful probation, a career ladder and continuous professional development offered
Benefits
Our holistic care includes:
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Leave entitlements
- 25 days annual leave (progression to 30 days after 10 years)
- Additional privilege day and paid holiday
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Pensions
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with employer contribution, totalling 28.97%
- Includes detailings about contributions from as low as £10,118.
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Support Lifestyle & Well-being
- Cycle-to-work scheme, travel loans, employee assistance programs.
Assessment Process
To join this role, candidates will undergo multi-stage evaluations, measuring candidates on key competencies such as:
- All-round personal qualities (best showcased through situational answers)
- Qualities as per civil service values (courtesy, balance, care, and quality)
- Assessment of written, spoken English, numerical skills.
Online Stages:
- Initial application for basic judgement and numerical skills evaluation.
- Stage 2 online values-based assessment; identifies individuals likely to thrive in our values-driven environment.
Re-applying: If previously unsuccessful in the Stage 2 tests within the past six months, re-applying is now possible.
If the test fails, wait a cohort period of six months prior to reapplying.
Online Assessment Centre (OAC):
- Formal testing aspects relevant to prove suitability for a Prison Officer role. Distance/Condition-created aid accessed with reasonable consideration.
Job Type & Opportunity Assessment
This is a Merit Vacancy, meaning the outcome is governed solely by successful scores from assessments, which determine the hire sequence.
Merit List Validity: Extends for 12 months; if roles are offered during this period, a new application will be necessary afterward.
Other significant notes:
- Alternate Appointment as an ‘Operational Support Grade’ role potentially possible if unsuccessful as a Prison Officer during the Merit Recruitment/Assessment.
- A candidate would not be required for the Civil Service job offer to mention British English or Welsh unless the post is specifically designated in Wales.
Additional Approaches for Margins:
Applications for Veterans
- Special initiative:’Civil Service Great Place Program for Veterans’ encourages enrolling eligible ex-forces personnel, ensuring a fair interview based on the right criteria.
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Financial and Administrative Information
- Deadline Date: 9th July 2026
Security & Ensuring Suitability:
- Psychological screening, thorough Hintergrund checks completed prior to recruitment
- Participation is mandatory for baseline security standards, typically ensuring sensitivity and regard for classified areas.
Working in the Civil Service
Framework
Adherence to the Civil Service Code to cultivate a professional environment: deduce fair plan-fulfilling approach.
Adhering to the listed fairness principles of the Civil Service Commission is critical. Concerns or discrepancies in the recruitment practices can be referred through the allocated line of interest:
Resources to Guide You:
- Link for further understanding of scenarios and concise guidance proposed: Justice Job Portal
- Support for easier applications: Art帮忙Part (7 suggestions how it can be trying), artificial intelligence has limits, ensure transparency.
Diversity Policy
The Civil Service actively champions critical equality and inclusivity. Contracts accommodate substantial allies with disproportional inclusive standards.
Specific indicators for theses earnings:
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Contact Mailing Box Escalations:
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Applicants-facing inquiries: Telephone: 0345 241 5358 (9am-5pm, M-F), E-mail: Moj-Recruitment-Vetting-Enquiries@gov.sscl.com.
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Reference POJO: 19517 must always be noted.
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Detailed References and Contacts for Support
Check supporting documentation, [related website confrère Ole webpages](https://justicejobs.tal.net/ vx/candidate/cms) for pragmatic guidance and recruitment abets.
For privacy issues involving the civilian service, Civil Service Codes can be referenced on Civil Service Commission sites allowing possibilities for lodging complaints.
Supportive Links to Visit
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Full Candidates Resource Hub to Check (Office-specific portions):
- Civil Service Deep Dive covers recruitment principles, initiatives, code and exact contributions.
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Guides to Support Recruitment Misalignments
- Correctly requesting Re-adjustment processes and communicating needs proactively, admissible factors nurturing officers' environments.
Recruitment update: Closing dates are strictly adhered during advertised periods. Error/urgent issues enrolling correspond directly at set intervals stated: weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM.
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