Serco Plc
Prison Officer
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Prison Officer
Prison Officer vacancy – HMP Dovegate, Uttoxeter (ST14 8XR)
Salary & Contract Type
- Salary: Up to £33,337 per annum
- Starting salary: £28,187 (pa), rising to £29,271 after 12 months, then £33,337 after 3 years
- Attainable salary increase: Potential to reach £33,337 faster (within 12–18 months) by completing the PCO Portfolio or PCO Apprenticeship
- Average earnings (with overtime): Approximately £37,800 (based on 4 hours overtime per week）
- Type: Permanent, full-time (40-hour average week, shift rota)
Why Choose This Role?
With Serco’s commitment to progressing you, you’ll have clear career development pathways, transitioning quickly into operational management roles (salaries: £36,000–£42,000).
Additional Perks & Benefits
- Flexible shifts including days, evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- Complimentary meals when on shift
- Pension scheme
- Health & Wellbeing Benefits
- Reward & Recognition scheme
- Serco discounts (cinema, shopping, leisure centres) + Blue Light discount card
- 10-week initial training course (post-assessment) covering:
- Diploma in Custodial Care
- First Aid & Control & Restraint training
- Unlimited access to Global Employee Networks (Gender, Multicultural, Disability, LGBTQ+)
About the Position & Responsibilities
You’ll be a Prison Officer, responsible for:
- Supervising prisoners across all aspects of daily wing activities
- Encouraging participation in work and education programmes
- Managing operational safety (headcounts, cell searches, patrols, administrative tasks)
- Supporting prisoners at risk of self-harm
- Ensuring high standards of custody and prisoner welfare
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Key Behaviours Required Serco values transferrable skills such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Resilience
- Patience
- Problem-solving
Note: Our prisons foster rehabilitation, not punishment, so your role matters more than your past experience.
Experiencing the Role
Recruitment Process:
- Apply → Competency-based interview at HMP Dovegate
- Successful candidates move to a 10-week Initial Training Course (ITC) (100% attendance required):
- 8 weeks in-classroom training
- 2 weeks shadowing
- Next available ITC start dates:
- Monday 7th September 2026
Why Serco?
- Turn concerns into support: Our Officers manage security, health, and rehabilitation, all while playing a pivotal role in reducing reoffending.
- Diverse career paths: Progress into Operations Management or specialise in areas like Psychology, Education, Health, or Animal Units.
- Great working culture: With strong safeguarding safeguards and predictably calm environments, you’ll work with empathic colleagues ready to guide your growth.
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Key Considerations
➔ Location: Necessarily based at HMP Dovegate, Uttoxeter (ST14 8XR) – Ideal candidates should live within a 30-mile radius for commute flexibility and work-life balance.
❌ Visa restrictions: Not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Please ensure:
- Valid UK right-to-work (via visa, settlement status) for at least two years.
- UK dwellers for >1 year.
⚠️ Security checks required:
- Minimum 5 years clarity in employment/education history.
- May require DBS clearance (including Enhanced DBS + Adult & Child Barring List).
Who Are We?
At Serco, we deliver essential public services—such as justice, health, and transport—for over 50,000 colleagues worldwide. We champion diversity, inclusion (bystander training, hybrid work policies), and are a Disability Confident Committed Leader with Gold Inclusive Employer Status.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We welcome applications from:
- Disability-confident roles: Supported at every stage of the process.
- Ban-the-box policy applied, with discussions available if relevant.
Applying Choice: Visit the Serco careers page for guidance before applying.
Direct Queries: Email – j&icareersUK@serco.com
Ready to make a difference? Apply now—spaces fill up quickly.
(Competition may result in early closure dates.)
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