About The Isle of Sheppey prisons
There are 3 prisons on the Isle of Sheppey, an island off the northern coast of Kent:
- HMP Swaleside is a men’s high security prison
- HMP Elmley is a category B local prison that houses men on remand to the local courts
- HMP Stanford Hill is a category D open prison for men who have a maximum of 5 years until their release from custody
While we’ll aim to find you a role in the prison you select as your preferred choice during the application process, this may not always be possible due to current operational requirements.
Inside HMP Swaleside
With a capacity of 1,112 men, HMP Swaleside is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men convicted of serious offences can make positive use of their long sentences.
Inside HMP Elmley
The largest of the prisons on the Isle of Sheppey, with a capacity of 1,230 men, HMP Elmley is a remand prison for offenders who are awaiting a trial date.
Inside HMP Stanford Hill
With a capacity of 464 men, HMP Stanford Hill is a category D open prison for men approaching the end of their sentences. Its main focus is on prisoners doing reparative or paid work in the community. Prisoners also work in the onsite workshop and horticulture department.
The prison’s education department offers a range of full and part-time learning and vocational training opportunities. Men can also engage in further and higher education on site, through distance learning, the local college, or on day-release to universities.
We’re not currently recruiting prison officers at Standford Hill Prison
We can let you know when vacancies open.
Working at an Isle of Sheppey prison
As an employee of HMP Elmley, HMP Stanford Hill or HMP Swaleside, you’ll have access to a range of facilities and employee benefits including:
- use of a free onsite gym
- free onsite parking
- excellent training and career progression
This is in addition to the great benefits you get from being a part of HM Prison and Probation Service.
How to get to the Isle of Sheppey prisons
With ample parking at all 3 sites, the Isle of Sheppey is a 30-minute drive from Maidstone. It’s also easily accessible via the M2 – around 40 minutes from Canterbury and Dartford.
The closest railway station is Sheerness, about 8 miles away from the prison complex, with a connecting bus service.
Find the Isle of Sheppey prisons on a map (opens in a new tab)
Find out more about the prison officer role
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