HM Prison and Probation Service
202607: Prison Officer - HMP Winchester
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202607: Prison Officer - HMP Winchester
Prison Officer - HMP Winchester HMP Winchester, Romsey Rd, Winchester, SO22 5DF | Starting salary: £38,816 (39-hour week inc. 20% unsocial allowance)
About the Role
Would you protect the public and make an impact on people’s lives? This extraordinary role enables officers from diverse backgrounds to build meaningful relationships with restraint officers in need – with no typical day in sight. Whether your career has been in mentoring, retail, healthcare, or the military, your empathy and resilience will make you a standout candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Work as a peacekeeper, counsellor, teacher, and mentor in a fast-paced prison environment
- Build trust-based relationships with offenders at their lowest points
- Collaborate with colleagues to operate smoothly, safely, and professionally
- Work shifts including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
Who Are We Looking For?
We embrace applicants with varied backgrounds—parents, teachers, ex-forces, or naturally people-focused individuals—as the job demands more than qualification:
- Personal Qualities Needed:
- Empathy and resilience
- Confidence and emotional intelligence
- Problem-solving and use of discretion
- Strong communication skills
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Eligibility
- Must be 18+
- Meet Civil Service Nationality Requirements (excluding non-EU nationals unable to secure a right-to-work visa)
- Complete a fitness/medical test (including eyesight, hearing, and general health screening)
- No offensive tattoos (facial tattoos disqualify unless culturally/medically necessary)
- A UK residency requirement for Category A prisons
Salary & Hours
- Comprehensive rotor training pay: £38,816 (39 hrs), rising to £41,334 (41 hrs) post-training
- Plus unsocial add-ons and paid overtime opportunities
BENEFITS
- 25 days holiday (expanding to 30 days post-10 years’ service)
- Civil Service Pension Scheme (28.97% employer contribution)
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Support services for disabilities, stressed spouse, etc.
Medical & Assessment Process
Stages:
- Application Review → Check eligibility (right-to-work, medical capabilities) and ethics/principles alignment.
- Online Tests (Basic Judgement & Numerical Skills)
- Values-Based Online Assessment (Assesses compatibility with prison values)
- Online Assessment Center (Assessments: Commons, influencer, reasoning, language*)
- If selected, medical assessment will confirm:
- Hearing ability (95db limit)
- Eyesight (simulated-correction standards)
- General fitness
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Historically unsuccessful candidates (6-month cooldown before reapplying).
NOTABLE NOTES
- UK Nationality Requirement: Open to EUSS-eligible individuals, Turkish nationals already vetted, and qualifying special permits holders.
- Transparency: Application decisions pathways explained via e-mail or phone at 0345 241 5358.
- Vet support: Guaranteed interview available.
Your Next Steps
- Check eligibility at gov.uk
- Apply now via talent application platform
- Participate in our interaction activity (pre-screening tool) to confirm suitability.
This role is more than — it impacts lives, redeems futures, and builds character. Become a skilled, caring protector of society.
Supporting Documents
Contact Us Email: Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Phone: 0845 241 5358 (Reference: Job 19500; Closing date: 9th July 2026)
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