Prison Officer

Prison Officer – HMP Nottingham: 20 Permanent Jobs Paying Up to £39,334

HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting Prison Officers at HMP Nottingham, offering 20 permanent positions in Nottingham, East Midlands.

The role offers a starting salary of £34,928, rising to £36,816 for a 39-hour week and up to £39,334 for 41 hours per week, with additional allowances applicable to the role and location.

The vacancy is open to people from a wide range of backgrounds. You do not need specific qualifications to become a prison officer, as the employer places significant emphasis on personal qualities such as communication, resilience, decision-making, care and understanding.

Important: Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available subject to eligibility and the UK Immigration Rules, but the employer states that candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored for this campaign. Applicants must therefore carefully consider their existing UK right to work before applying.

Job Details

Job information	Details
Job title	Prison Officer – HMP Nottingham
Employer	HM Prison & Probation Service
Department	Ministry of Justice
Location	HMP Nottingham, Perry Road, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 3AG
Region	Midlands / East Midlands
Salary	£34,928–£39,334
Typical 39-hour salary	£36,816
Contract	Permanent
Grade	Administrative Officer
Working pattern	Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working, Job Share
Number of vacancies	20
Reference number	479929
Job reference	21983
Closing date	1 October 2026 at 11:55pm

About the Prison Officer Role

Working as a prison officer is a demanding but potentially rewarding career within the UK Civil Service.

Prison officers help maintain a safe, secure and decent environment while supporting prisoners and helping them make positive changes in their lives.

The employer explains that there is no single type of person who becomes a prison officer. People can enter the profession from different backgrounds, including retail, teaching, parenting, the armed forces and other people-focused careers.

The role requires people who can communicate effectively, remain calm under pressure and build constructive professional relationships.

You could find yourself performing different functions during the same working day. The position can involve elements of security, conflict management, mentoring, communication, support and education.

Teamwork is also essential because prison officers work closely with colleagues to maintain safety and security across the establishment.

What You Could Be Doing

As a prison officer at HMP Nottingham, your responsibilities will involve working directly with prisoners while helping maintain a safe and secure prison environment.

Depending on the situation, you may need to:

Build professional and constructive relationships with prisoners.
Communicate clearly with people from different backgrounds.
Help maintain safety and security within the prison.
Make effective decisions when dealing with challenging situations.
Support prisoners during difficult periods of their lives.
Work closely with colleagues as part of a wider prison team.
Maintain professional standards and provide a quality service.
Respond appropriately to incidents and changing circumstances.
Use communication and influencing skills to manage situations.
Demonstrate care and understanding while maintaining professional boundaries.

The role can be fast-paced, and prison officers must be prepared to work in an environment where situations can change quickly.

Who Can Apply?

One of the notable features of this vacancy is that you do not need specific qualifications to become a prison officer.

The employer is particularly interested in personal qualities and abilities.

You should be able to demonstrate:

Strong communication and influencing skills.
A commitment to providing a quality service.
Effective decision-making.
Care and understanding.
Resilience and strength of character.
The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Confidence when dealing with challenging situations.
Professionalism and integrity.

Previous experience in a prison environment is not stated as a requirement.

People with experience in areas such as customer service, retail, education, security, care, the armed forces or other public-facing roles may have transferable skills relevant to the position.

Prison Officer Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet a number of eligibility requirements.

You must:

Be at least 18 years old when you commence employment.
Meet the relevant Civil Service nationality requirements.
Pass the required medical and fitness assessments.
Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes, with and without corrective lenses.
Meet the required hearing standard without the use of hearing aids.
Be able to fulfil the spoken aspects of the role confidently in English.

Tattoos are permitted, including visible tattoos, provided they are not considered offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not accepted except in certain cultural, religious or medical circumstances.

For work in a high-security Category A prison, applicants must generally have been resident in the UK for the previous three years.

Working Hours and Shift Patterns

Prisons operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so prison officers need to be comfortable working different shift patterns.

Shifts can include:

Day shifts
Evening shifts
Some night shifts
Weekends
Public holidays

Public holidays worked are added to the holiday allowance according to the employer’s arrangements.

After completing initial training, prison officers can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours per week, subject to the available arrangements.

The salary reflects the number of hours worked.

Salary Breakdown

37 hours per week: £34,928 per year
39 hours per week: £36,816 per year
41 hours per week: £39,334 per year

The quoted salaries include applicable additional allowances for the role and location.

There may also be opportunities to work additional paid hours.

Training and Recruitment Process

Candidates go through several stages before appointment.

The recruitment process assesses the behaviours, strengths and abilities needed to work effectively as a prison officer.

Areas assessed include:

Communicating and influencing
Managing a quality service
Making effective decisions
Caring
Numerical ability
Written English
Spoken English
Personal strengths

Stage 1: Online Test

After completing the initial application, successful candidates are invited to complete the first stage of online testing.

This assesses basic judgement and numerical skills expected of prison officers.

Stage 2: Values-Based Assessment

Candidates who pass the first online test may progress to a Values-Based Assessment (VBA).

This stage examines how well candidates demonstrate the values considered important for effective prison officers.

Candidates who meet the required VBA pass mark may progress to the Online Assessment Centre.

Online Assessment Centre

The Online Assessment Centre (OAC) assesses the behaviours, strengths and abilities required for the prison officer role.

Candidates may be invited at different times depending on assessment capacity and their VBA score.

If you meet the required pass mark but are not initially invited because of assessment capacity, you may remain under consideration for a later invitation.

The advert also states that candidates who were unsuccessful at the Stage 2 online test during the previous six months can now reapply.

Merit Vacancy and Job Offers

This is a merit vacancy.

Candidates who successfully complete the Online Assessment Centre will be placed on a merit list according to their assessment score.

When positions become available, job offers will be made to candidates with the highest scores first.

Candidates can remain on the merit list for up to 12 months.

After 12 months, you would need to apply again if you wanted to be considered for another prison officer campaign.

If an application is unsuccessful at the sift or assessment stage, a six-month waiting period may apply before another prison officer application can be submitted.

Alternative Operational Support Grade Opportunity

An interesting part of the recruitment campaign is that the Online Assessment Centre may also assess candidates for an Operational Support Grade (OSG) position.

If a candidate is unsuccessful for the Prison Officer role but meets the requirements for an OSG position, an alternative appointment may be offered.

However, driving duties are an essential part of the OSG role.

Therefore, candidates offered an OSG position instead of the prison officer position would need to hold a valid UK driving licence.

Medical and Fitness Assessment

Because prison officers perform a physically active role, successful candidates must complete medical and fitness assessments.

These can include:

Eyesight testing
Hearing testing
Basic health screening
Blood pressure checks
Fitness assessment

An important requirement for international applicants is that the employer cannot facilitate medical and fitness assessments outside the UK.

Candidates must attend a UK-based medical and fitness assessment centre in order to progress.

UK Right to Work and Visa Sponsorship

This vacancy contains important information for applicants who require UK visa sponsorship.

The employer states that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available, subject to eligibility and the UK Immigration Rules in force at the time of application.

However, the advert specifically warns that candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored for this campaign, because of current immigration requirements and recruitment timescales.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that applying for this vacancy will result in visa sponsorship.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that they have and can maintain the appropriate right to work in the UK.

If you already have permission to work in the UK, you should check that your immigration status allows you to undertake this role before applying.

Nationality Requirements

The vacancy is broadly open to:

UK nationals.
Republic of Ireland nationals.
Commonwealth nationals who have the right to work in the UK.
Eligible EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Eligible family members covered by the relevant EU Settlement Scheme provisions.
Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme by 31 December 2020.
Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.

Successful applicants must maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK and the Civil Service.

Travel to HMP Nottingham

Applicants should carefully consider how they will travel to the prison.

Although a driving licence and personal vehicle are not essential requirements for the Prison Officer position, they may be beneficial, particularly where public transport options are limited.

Shift start and finish times are fixed, so applicants are responsible for ensuring they can reliably arrive at the workplace on time.

Salary, Pension and Benefits

The position comes with a range of Civil Service benefits.

Benefits include:

£34,928 starting salary for 37 hours.
Up to £39,334 for 41 hours.
25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service.
Paid time off for public holidays.
One additional privilege day.
Civil Service pension.
Employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Travel loans.
Opportunities for additional paid hours.
Training and development opportunities.

Based on the information provided in the advert, HM Prison & Probation Service contributes approximately £10,118 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme alongside the £34,928 salary figure.

Reasonable Adjustments and Disability Support

The Ministry of Justice is a Disability Confident employer and states that reasonable adjustment support is available during recruitment.

Candidates who require adjustments should indicate this when completing their application.

It is particularly important to request support before completing online tests or attending the Online Assessment Centre, because practical and logistical restrictions mean assessors may not be able to accommodate requests made on the day.

Veterans

The Civil Service operates the Making the Civil Service a Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Eligible former members of the Armed Forces who meet the minimum criteria may benefit from the guaranteed interview scheme.

This initiative is designed to help eligible veterans bring their skills and experience into Civil Service careers.

Security and Checks

Successful applicants will be subject to relevant security and employment checks.

These include:

Enhanced or equivalent criminal record checks.
Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks.
Medical assessment.
Fitness assessment.
Relevant employment and eligibility checks.

Candidates should be prepared to provide the information required during the recruitment process.

Artificial Intelligence and Applications

The employer allows artificial intelligence tools to be used to support applications, but candidates must ensure that all examples and statements they submit are truthful, factually accurate and based on their own experience.

Applicants should not present AI-generated examples or other people’s experiences as their own.

Any application identified as plagiarised may be withdrawn, and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need qualifications to become a prison officer?

No specific qualifications are stated as being required. The employer focuses heavily on personal qualities such as communication, decision-making, care, understanding and resilience.

How much does a prison officer at HMP Nottingham earn?

The salary ranges from £34,928 to £39,334, depending on contracted weekly hours. The stated salary for a 39-hour week is £36,816.

Are there part-time prison officer jobs?

Yes. The vacancy supports full-time, part-time, flexible working and job-share arrangements, subject to the available arrangements.

How many vacancies are available?

There are 20 positions available.

Can international applicants apply?

Potentially, but applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality and UK right-to-work requirements. The employer specifically warns that candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored in this campaign.

Is visa sponsorship guaranteed?

No. The advert explicitly states that sponsorship is not guaranteed and that applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored for this campaign.

Do I need previous prison officer experience?

The advert does not state that previous prison officer experience is required. The employer focuses on transferable personal qualities and skills.

Do I need a driving licence?

A driving licence is not an essential requirement for the Prison Officer position. However, it may be beneficial depending on travel arrangements. A valid UK driving licence is required if a candidate is instead offered an Operational Support Grade role.

When does the application close?

Applications must be submitted by 11:55pm on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Where is the job located?

The position is based at HMP Nottingham, Perry Road, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 3AG.

How to Apply for the Prison Officer Job

Applications should be submitted through the official Ministry of Justice recruitment portal.

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements, shift arrangements, right-to-work requirements and recruitment stages.

Applicants should also make sure that information provided in their application is accurate and based on their own experience.

Job reference: 21983
Civil Service reference: 479929
Closing date: 1 October 2026 at 11:55pm

Final Thoughts

This Prison Officer – HMP Nottingham vacancy could be an attractive opportunity for people looking for a permanent UK Civil Service career without needing specific academic qualifications.

With 20 vacancies, flexible working options and salaries reaching £39,334, the campaign may appeal to candidates with backgrounds in customer service, retail, care, education, security, the armed forces and other people-focused careers.

However, applicants requiring UK visa sponsorship should pay particular attention to the sponsorship warning. Although the advert says Skilled Worker sponsorship may be available subject to eligibility, it also clearly states that candidates who require sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored for this campaign.

Candidates should therefore confirm their individual right-to-work position before applying.

Source: HM Prison & Probation Service / Civil Service Jobs
Job reference: 21983
Closing date: 1 October 2026

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