19614 – Prison Officer Returners Scheme (UK) | £36,150–£47,641 | 20 Vacancies | HM Prison & Probation Service
Are you a former HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) Prison Officer or Youth Justice Worker looking to return to service? The Prison Officer Returners Scheme offers a simplified route back into the Prison Service without repeating foundation training or the standard assessment process (subject to eligibility).
Successful applicants can earn between £36,150 and £47,641 per year, enjoy an excellent Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution), and access flexible working opportunities across prisons throughout England and Wales.
Job Summary
- Position: Prison Officer Returners Scheme
- Reference Number: 469600
- Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
- Department: Ministry of Justice
- Job Grade: Administrative Officer (Band 3)
- Job Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share, Flexible Working
- Number of Vacancies: 20
- Salary: £36,150–£47,641 per year
- Location: Multiple prison establishments across England and Wales
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026 (11:55 PM)
About HM Prison & Probation Service
HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is responsible for managing prisons and probation services throughout England and Wales. The organisation works to protect the public, reduce reoffending, and help offenders successfully reintegrate into society.
The Returners Scheme enables experienced former prison officers to rejoin quickly and continue making a positive contribution to public safety.
About the Returners Scheme
The Prison Officer Returners Scheme is designed specifically for former HMPPS Prison Officers and Youth Justice Workers who left the service within the last five years.
Eligible applicants benefit from a streamlined recruitment process that removes the need to repeat:
- Foundation Training
- Online Assessment Centre
- Online Tests
Instead, eligible candidates are matched directly to suitable vacancies before completing medical, fitness and pre-employment checks.
Applicants interested in returning to women’s prisons who have not previously completed the women’s prison assessment will need to complete an additional assessment.
Salary
Successful applicants will return at Band 3 Pay Point 2.
National Pay
- 37 hours: £36,150
- 39 hours: £38,430
- 41 hours: £40,710
Outer London
- 37 hours: £40,199
- 39 hours: £42,734
- 41 hours: £45,269
Inner London
- 37 hours: £42,305
- 39 hours: £44,973
- 41 hours: £47,641
These salaries include the 20% unsocial hours allowance.
Some prisons also receive additional market supplements ranging from £1,500 to £3,500 annually.
Available Locations
Vacancies are available across numerous prisons throughout:
- London
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Durham
- Norwich
- Swansea
- Peterborough
- Milton Keynes
- Winchester
- Wakefield
- Stafford
- Hull
- Preston
- York
…and many other prison establishments across England and Wales.
Applicants can select up to three preferred prison locations, with the option to choose additional locations.
Who Can Apply?
You may apply if you:
- Left HMPPS within the last five years.
- Previously worked as:
- Band 3–5 Prison Officer, or
- Band 3–4 Youth Justice Worker.
- Successfully completed Foundation Training.
- Successfully completed your probation period.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
Applicants currently working elsewhere within the Ministry of Justice or another government department may also be eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the required eyesight standards.
- Meet hearing requirements.
- Pass medical and fitness assessments.
- Successfully complete security vetting.
- Satisfy DBS requirements.
- Meet residency requirements for Category A prisons where applicable.
Key Responsibilities
Returning Prison Officers will:
- Maintain safety and security within prisons.
- Supervise prisoners professionally.
- Build positive working relationships with prisoners.
- Help reduce reoffending.
- Support prisoner rehabilitation.
- Respond to incidents quickly and effectively.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues.
- Follow Prison Service policies and procedures.
Working Hours
Prisons operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Working patterns may include:
- Early shifts
- Late shifts
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
Full-time contracts begin at 37 hours per week, with opportunities to increase to 39 or 41 hours.
Part-time working may be available depending on local operational requirements.
Employee Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Competitive salary
- 28.97% Civil Service pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Annual leave increasing to 30 days after 10 years
- Paid public holidays
- One additional privilege day
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Travel loans
- Flexible working opportunities
- Paid overtime opportunities
- Career progression
- Comprehensive training
- Employee wellbeing support
Recruitment Process
Eligible applicants will:
- Submit an online application.
- Confirm eligibility for the Returners Scheme.
- Select preferred prison locations.
- Be matched directly to available vacancies.
- Complete medical and fitness assessments.
- Undergo security and pre-employment checks.
- Receive a formal offer and return to service.
Important Information
Applicants should apply at least six months before reaching the five-year limit after leaving HMPPS to allow sufficient time for recruitment and pre-employment checks.
If no immediate vacancies are available, eligible candidates will remain on a merit list and receive priority consideration when positions become available.
Why Join HM Prison & Probation Service?
Returning to HMPPS means:
- Rejoining an experienced professional workforce.
- Supporting safer communities.
- Building a rewarding long-term Civil Service career.
- Accessing one of the UK’s most generous pension schemes.
- Receiving competitive pay and excellent employee benefits.
- Making a meaningful difference every day.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application through the official Ministry of Justice recruitment portal before the closing date.
Application Deadline
11:55 PM (UK Time) – Thursday, 1 October 2026