Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

Why work for HM Prison and Probation Service?

You’ll be working for an organisation that rewards performance, invests in your career development and cares about your wellbeing, both inside and outside of work.

Our work is about people

  • HM Prison & Probation Service employs over 42,000 staff across England and Wales
  • We are committed to improving the rehabilitation of offenders and give our staff the tools and support they need to do this
  • We are an inclusive employer and strive for a workforce that’s representative of our society

Career and personal development

Joining HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) gives you a range of opportunities for your career. You’ll be able to develop, specialise, or advance through positions once you have completed your probationary period and gained the necessary skills and experience.

As a civil servant, you will have access to free and paid for training with civil service learning, as well as opportunities such as:

  • workplace apprenticeships
  • mentoring schemes
  • secondment opportunities
  • talent programmes

Staff benefits

On top of your salary, you’ll get a generous annual leave entitlement and have access to a range of Civil Service benefits, including: 

  • discounted gym memberships (if you work in a prison, you’ll have access to a free on-site gym) 
  • season ticket loans, a cycle-to-work scheme and bike loans to help manage travel costs to your workplace 
  • reward and recognition vouchers 
  • retail discounts
  • technology and smartphone discounts

Pension schemes

All HMPPS staff are members of some of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector.

Civil Service pension scheme

If your job is with the Prison Service or the Youth Custody Service, you’ll be a member of the Civil Service pension scheme (opens in a new tab).

If you join our Alpha pension scheme, you’ll contribute around 5.45% of your salary and your employer will contribute a generous 27.1%.

Local government pension scheme

If your job is with the Probation Service, you’ll be a member of the local government pension scheme (opens in a new tab).

Under this scheme, you’ll contribute around 6.5% of the pay you receive, and your employer will currently contribute around 29.6% of your pay.

The contribution percentages are examples; they are calculated based on your salary and are subject to change.

Work-life balance

Balancing your wellbeing, productivity and responsibilities outside of work can be challenging. We want to help you work in a way that works for you.

To do this, we offer the following where we can:

  • flexible working – from compressed hours to hybrid or home working
  • part-time working
  • job sharing
  • a generous 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 with long service. You can often carry over and buy or sell annual leave days if you need to
  • a family-focused leave package, including maternity, paternity and adoption leave for all new parents
  • special leave allowances for emergencies or caring responsibilities, as well as leave to allow you time for volunteering, and career breaks

Health and wellbeing 

We provide a range of wellbeing schemes to help you feel healthy and supported, in and outside of work: 

  • help with the cost of your annual flu jab and eye tests 
  • an Employee Assistance Programme that provides support to you during any times of stress or difficulty 
  • a financial wellbeing portal

You’ll also have access to The Charity for Civil Servants (opens in a new tab) who support civil servants, past and present, when times are tough, listening without judgement and offering practical, financial and emotional support. 

An inclusive employer

The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

Veterans of the Armed Forces

Roles in HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) often need the same sort of skills that you need in the Armed Forces.  

If you are a veteran or service leaver and you’re looking for a rewarding second career where you can continue to protect the public as well as make a positive impact on offenders’ lives, take a look at our jobs for veterans recruitment schemes. 

Find your role at HMPPS

Extraordinary jobs.

Done by someone like you.

Find the role for you