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Prison Officer

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Prison Officer Jobs at HMP Winchester – 20 Vacancies, Salary up to £41,334

Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
Location: HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5DF
Salary: £36,928–£41,334 per year, depending on weekly hours
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working or job share
Vacancies: 20
Job reference: 473750
Closing date: 29 October 2026, at 11:55 pm

Visa Sponsorship Status

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available, but applicants who require sponsorship are unlikely to be sponsored for this recruitment campaign.

HM Prison & Probation Service states that sponsorship is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility and the UK immigration rules in force at the time of application. Applicants must carefully consider their right to work in the UK before applying.

About the Role

HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting Prison Officers at HMP Winchester to help maintain safety, support rehabilitation and protect the public.

This role offers an opportunity to build a career in the Civil Service while working directly with prisoners. Prison Officers carry out a range of responsibilities, from maintaining order and resolving conflicts to supporting prisoners in making positive changes.

You do not need previous prison officer experience or specific qualifications to apply. The employer is looking for people with strong communication skills, resilience, empathy and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain safety, security and order within the prison.
  • Build constructive, professional relationships with prisoners.
  • Communicate effectively and manage challenging situations.
  • Support prisoners and contribute to their rehabilitation.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe environment.
  • Make effective decisions and deliver a quality service.

Salary and Working Hours

Your salary depends on the number of hours you work each week:

  • 37 hours: £36,928 per year.
  • 39 hours: £38,816 per year.
  • 41 hours: £41,334 per year.

Initial training is 37 hours per week. After training, you can choose from the available 37, 39 or 41-hour working patterns.

Prisons operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You must therefore be prepared to work shifts that may include evenings, some nights, weekends and public holidays. Additional paid hours may also be available.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old when starting employment.
  • Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements and have the legal right to work in the UK.
  • Pass the required medical and fitness assessments.
  • Meet the eyesight and hearing standards.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and influencing skills.
  • Show commitment to quality, sound decision-making, care and understanding.
  • Be able to fulfil the spoken requirements of the role confidently in English.

A driving licence and personal transport may be beneficial, depending on your circumstances, but are not essential unless specifically stated.

For high-security Category A prisons, applicants must have been resident in the UK for the preceding three years.

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Training and Assessment Process

The recruitment process includes several stages:

  1. Initial application: Complete the online application form.
  2. Stage 1 online test: Assess basic judgement and numerical skills.
  3. Stage 2 online test: Complete the values-based assessment.
  4. Online Assessment Centre: Demonstrate the behaviours, strengths and abilities required for the role.
  5. Medical and fitness assessment: Successful candidates identified for a vacancy must complete the required checks at a UK-based assessment centre.

Assessments cover communication and influencing, managing a quality service, effective decision-making and caring. Numerical, written English and spoken English abilities will also be assessed.

Candidates who were unsuccessful in the Stage 2 online test during the previous six months may now reapply.

Successful assessment does not guarantee an immediate offer. Candidates are placed on a merit list, with offers made as vacancies become available. The merit list remains valid for 12 months.

Candidates who are unsuccessful for the Prison Officer role may be considered for an alternative Operational Support Grade (OSG) position.

Benefits

The position includes a range of Civil Service benefits:

  • 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service.
  • Paid time off for public holidays and one additional privilege day.
  • Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
  • Cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Travel loans and other employee benefits.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online through the employer’s recruitment portal. Applicants should review the eligibility criteria, shift requirements and sponsorship information before applying.

Closing date: 29 October 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Original source: Civil Service Jobs – HM Prison & Probation Service
Reference: 473750

For recruitment enquiries, contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team at Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com or call 0345 241 5358, quoting job reference 20628.

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