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Work as a prison officer or operational support grade at HMP Swaleside

Prison officers and operational support grades (prison support workers) come from all walks of life and perform vital roles in an environment like no other. Join HMP Swaleside and you could too. 

Apply now

About HMP Swaleside

HMP Swaleside exterior

HMP Swaleside, a men’s high security prison, is one of three prisons on the Isle of Sheppey, an island off the northern coast of Kent. 

With a capacity of 1,112 men, the prison provides a safe and educational environment where men convicted of serious offences can make positive use of their long sentences. 

Prisoners have access to a range of learning opportunities – from basic skills, such as English and Maths, to distance learning with the Open University. The prison is also part of the Prisons ICT Academy (PICTA), which helps prepare prisoners for work in information, communication and technology roles. 

With links with community-based businesses, individuals work in a range of onsite workshops, such as industrial cleaning and engineering. 

Extraordinary benefits

As an employee of HMP Swaleside, you’ll have access to a range of facilities and employee benefits including: 

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

How to get to HMP Swaleside

With ample free parking, HMP Swaleside 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 HMP Swaleside on a map (opens in a new tab) 

Find out more about the prison officer role

An extraordinary job.

Done by someone like you.

Become a prison officer