It might not be what you think. You don’t need specific experience, qualifications or education. We’ve worked in sectors from retail and care to security and the Armed Forces. Our backgrounds make us different, but together we share the same goal – to make a difference.
So why not have a go at our interactive online activity to get more of an insight into what it’s like working as a prison officer and see if it’s for you.
Working in a prison is fast-paced and varied. You will be trained for all kinds of situations, from keeping the prison safe to helping prisoners to learn new skills.
You’ll experience good days and tough days as a prison officer. You’ll need to be ready for challenging behaviour, and willing to take the rough with the smooth. But with training and a supportive team by your side, you’ll feel confident and assertive in your role and prepared to make a difference.
starting salary for a 39 hour week
annual holiday
foundation training
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
We welcome and encourage applications from everyone irrespective of background, identity, experience or circumstance, and particularly those underrepresented in our workforce. We strive for a workforce that is representative of our society and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice.
When people come to work for us we want them to feel safe and that they belong, are treated with empathy and respect, and have the support and solidarity of their colleagues and managers, so we can all deliver our services fairly and in response to individual needs. In joining us, you join an organisation which is committed to the values of humanity, openness, together and purpose.
Find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Support young people aged 12 to 18 in custody to learn new skills.
Essential support to help prisons run smoothly.
Help the transition from prison to life outside.