Work as a prison officer at Portland or The Verne Prisons

Why work as a prison officer at HMP Portland?

About HMP Portland and HMP The Verne

Situated on the southernmost point of the Jurassic coast, the Isle of Portland in Dorset is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

There are 2 prisons on the island:

• HMP Portland is a training and resettlement prison for men aged 18 and over
• situated within the historic Verne Citadel, HMP The Verne houses men on medium and long term sentences

While we will 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 the immediate needs of the prisons.

HMP Portland has its own onsite training facility, meaning that – if there are sufficient spaces available – you may be able to complete your initial training here, rather than at a national training facility.

Find HMP Portland and HMP The Verne on a map (opens in a new tab).

Inside HMP Portland

With a capacity of 530, the prison provides prisoners with a wide range of education and training opportunities to develop skills so they can find work when they return to their communities.

Working with Weston college, HMP Portland offers a range of vocational courses, including bricklaying, maintenance operations, horticulture and painting, as well as basic and more advanced academic qualifications.

With links to a local charity, prisoners released on temporary licence also help out at a farm shop that’s in the grounds surrounding the main prison buildings and used by the public.

For more information, take a look at these questions and answers from a previous HMP Portland webinar.

Inside HMP The Verne

HMP The Verne is a prison for men convicted of a sex offence. Accommodating up to 608 prisoners, it provides a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to prepare them to return to their communities.

Prisoners have opportunities to enrol in a range of courses that offer accredited qualifications. These include bricklaying,  construction skills, industrial cleaning, painting, and barbering.

Prisoners also work in specialist workshops that produce products such as breakfast packs, leather goods and white wood furniture that are sent to other prisons to use.

Staff benefits

As an employee of HMP Portland or The Verne, you’ll have access to a range of support, facilities and employee benefits, including:

• a mentor who will support you throughout your training, and a ‘buddy’ who will work alongside you to help you settle into your new role
• use of the onsite gym and sports facilities
• excellent training and career progression
• a range of staff networks and support groups, including ‘Pride in Prisons’ and the prison’s own employee support charity

This is in addition to the great benefits you get from being a part of HM Prison and Probation Service.