Approved Premises Residential Worker – Southampton
HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is recruiting 5 Approved Premises Residential Workers at Landguard Approved Premises in Southampton.
The role offers a salary of £28,064 to £33,549 per year, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available. Residential Workers also receive additional premium payments for eligible unsocial hours.
Important: This vacancy is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the current immigration rules. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK and Civil Service.
Applications close at 11:55 pm on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
Job Details
- Job title: Approved Premises Residential Worker
- Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service
- Department: Ministry of Justice
- Location: Landguard Approved Premises, Southampton, SO15 5DJ
- Salary: £28,064 – £33,549 per year
- Grade: NPS Pay Band 3 National
- Contract: Permanent
- Vacancies: 5
- Working pattern: Full-time and part-time
- Job type: Operational Delivery
- Reference: 481321
- Advert reference: 22322
- Closing date: 7 October 2026 at 11:55 pm
- Working arrangement: Office-based; not suitable for home working
About the Role
Approved Premises provide accommodation and supervision for offenders who have been released from custody on licence and require a high level of supervision.
As an Approved Premises Residential Worker, you will support residents as they transition from custody back into the community. You will help promote successful resettlement while supporting the management of residents and helping to protect the public.
The role involves monitoring residents, supporting their wellbeing, checking compliance with licence conditions and responding appropriately to behaviour or concerns.
You will work closely with colleagues and partner agencies and may occasionally be required to work across additional Approved Premises sites when operational needs require it.
Key Responsibilities
Your duties will include:
- Supporting the management and supervision of Approved Premises residents.
- Helping residents transition successfully from custody into the community.
- Supporting residents to comply with their licence conditions.
- Promoting the safety and wellbeing of residents and others.
- Carrying out inspections of the premises.
- Monitoring residents’ behaviour.
- Positively engaging with residents and providing appropriate support.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies.
- Contributing to effective resettlement and rehabilitation.
- Producing reports and maintaining appropriate records.
- Responding appropriately to incidents and operational requirements.
Requirements / Person Specification
You do not need a degree to apply for this position.
HMPPS is particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate the personal qualities needed to work effectively with people who may have social or personal difficulties.
You should be:
- Empathetic and patient.
- Resilient when dealing with challenging situations.
- Comfortable working with people from different backgrounds.
- Able to communicate effectively.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Numerate and literate.
- Capable of producing clear written reports.
- Able to work regular day, night, weekend and public holiday shifts where required.
Previous experience of working with people experiencing social or personal difficulties would be beneficial.
Working Pattern
These positions are office-based at Landguard Approved Premises in Southampton and are not suitable for home working.
Both full-time and part-time positions are available, including annualised-hours arrangements.
Residential Workers are required to work regular unsocial hours, with additional premium payments applying to eligible hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7pm to 8am: 30% premium payment.
- Weekend, 8am Saturday to 8am Monday: 50% premium payment.
- Public and bank holidays, 8am to 8am: 50% premium payment, plus time off in lieu for actual hours worked.
The role may involve working across additional sites when required.
Annualised Hours Option
Part-time applicants may have the opportunity to work under an annualised-hours contract of either:
- 625 hours per year, equivalent to approximately one 12-hour shift per week.
- 1,250 hours per year, equivalent to approximately two 12-hour shifts per week.
These shifts can include standard and unsocial hours across a 24-hour, 7-day working pattern.
Applicants choosing this arrangement should have a good level of availability for both day and night shifts throughout the week. Availability will be discussed at the provisional offer stage.
Salary & Benefits
The advertised salary is £28,064 to £33,549 per year.
Eligible unsocial hours attract additional premium payments on top of the advertised annual salary.
Benefits include:
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Flexible working options where operationally possible.
- Inclusive and supportive working environment.
- Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Annual leave.
- Public holidays.
- Season Ticket Advance.
Visa / Right-to-Work
Certificate of Sponsorship / new Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
The advert specifically states that the position is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the immigration rules that came into effect from 22 July 2025.
Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK and meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
Applicants who have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa should disclose this during pre-employment checks, as their eligibility will be assessed under the applicable immigration rules and transitional provisions.
Application / Selection Process
The recruitment process uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Experience
The vacancy will assess candidates against the following behaviours:
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Successful candidates must also undergo the required security checks, including a standard or equivalent criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks where applicable.
Applications should be submitted through the official Ministry of Justice careers website.
Apply here: https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/22322?entityId=22322
Deadline
The closing date is:
11:55 pm on Wednesday, 7 October 2026
The employer advises that once the vacancy closes, the advert may no longer be available, so applicants should save any information they need for their records.
Additional Recruitment Information
This campaign will also create a 12-month merit list, which may be used to fill future permanent, full-time, part-time and/or annualised-hours positions.
The vacancy is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted during the recruitment process is truthful and based on their own experience. HMPPS states that AI can be used to support an application, but examples and statements must remain truthful and factually accurate.
FAQs
Is this Approved Premises Residential Worker job eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship?
No. The advert states that this role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the current immigration rules.
How many vacancies are available?
There are 5 positions available.
Where is the job based?
The position is based at Landguard Approved Premises, Southampton, SO15 5DJ.
Is the role remote or hybrid?
No. The advert states that the positions are office-based and not suitable for home working.
What is the salary?
The advertised salary is £28,064 to £33,549 per year, with additional premium payments for eligible unsocial hours.
Is previous experience required?
A degree is not required. Experience working with people who have social or personal difficulties would be beneficial, but the employer places significant emphasis on personal qualities such as empathy, patience and resilience.
Are part-time positions available?
Yes. Both full-time and part-time positions are available, including annualised-hours options.
When does the application close?
Applications close at 11:55 pm on 7 October 2026.
What behaviours are assessed?
The vacancy assesses Working Together and Making Effective Decisions, alongside strengths and experience.
Where can I apply?
Applications are made through the official Ministry of Justice careers website:
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