Prison Officer | Gloucester, Bristol | Sponsorship Available

About the Role

HMP Leyhill is currently recruiting Prison Officers to join its dedicated team supporting rehabilitation, safety, and public protection within the UK prison system. Located near Gloucester and Bristol, this opportunity offers candidates the chance to begin a meaningful and stable career within the Civil Service while making a direct impact on people’s lives.

Working as a Prison Officer is far more than a traditional security role. Officers at HMP Leyhill play a vital role in maintaining a safe and respectful environment while supporting prisoners through rehabilitation, education, and personal development. Every day brings new challenges, requiring professionalism, resilience, communication skills, and the ability to build constructive relationships.

This role is ideal for individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Previous experience in prisons or criminal justice is not required. The Ministry of Justice welcomes applicants from sectors including retail, teaching, customer service, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, and the armed forces. Comprehensive training is provided to help successful candidates develop the skills and confidence needed for the role.

HMP Leyhill operates in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and communication are essential. Officers work together to maintain safety, support rehabilitation, and ensure operational standards are consistently met. The role also offers long-term career development opportunities within the Civil Service, along with competitive pay, strong pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements.

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates, subject to UK Immigration Rules and operational requirements at the time of application.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and support prisoners within a secure custodial environment
• Build professional and constructive relationships with prisoners
• Maintain safety, security, and order across prison operations
• Monitor prisoner wellbeing and identify potential safeguarding concerns
• Conduct routine inspections, searches, and security procedures
• Respond effectively to incidents, emergencies, and conflict situations
• Support prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives
• Complete accurate reports, records, and incident documentation
• Work collaboratively with prison staff and external agencies
• Promote equality, respect, and professionalism in all interactions

Candidate Requirements

Required Skills & Qualities

• Minimum age of 18 years at the point of employment
• Ability to meet Civil Service nationality requirements
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Good decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Caring, resilient, and professional attitude
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, evenings, and public holidays
• Ability to pass medical, fitness, hearing, and eyesight assessments
• Confidence working in challenging and high-pressure situations
• Commitment to maintaining safety, professionalism, and integrity

Preferred but Not Essential

• Background in customer service, healthcare, education, retail, security, or armed forces
• Driving licence and access to transport due to rural location
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals or within public services
• Understanding of safeguarding or conflict management

No formal qualifications are required for this role. Personal qualities, communication skills, and resilience are considered more important than academic background.

Job Details

• Location: HMP Leyhill, Gloucester GL12 8BT
• Job Title: Prison Officer
• Job Type: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working Available
• Employer: Ministry of Justice / HMPPS
• Working Pattern: Shift-based rota including evenings, weekends, nights, and public holidays
• Closing Date: 4 June 2026
• Job Reference: 17429
• Security Requirement: Enhanced DBS and security clearance required

Salary Structure

• 37 hours per week: £33,746 per year
• 39 hours per week: £35,875 per year
• 41 hours per week: £38,003 per year

Salary includes applicable allowances and unsocial hours payments.

Benefits

• Competitive Civil Service salary structure
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of approximately 28.97%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 10 years of service
• Additional public holiday entitlement and privilege day leave
• Paid training and structured career progression opportunities
• Flexible working and job-share options available
• Opportunities for overtime and additional paid hours
• Cycle to work scheme and travel loan support
• Access to Civil Service wellbeing and support programmes
• Stable long-term employment within the UK public sector
• Potential Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible applicants

Why Join HMP Leyhill

HMP Leyhill offers a unique opportunity to build a career where your work genuinely matters. Prison Officers help maintain public safety while supporting rehabilitation and positive behavioural change among prisoners. The role combines responsibility, teamwork, communication, and leadership in a way that few careers can offer.

As part of the Civil Service, employees benefit from strong workplace protections, professional development opportunities, and a supportive working culture focused on inclusion and diversity. Staff are encouraged to develop their skills and pursue long-term career growth across the wider prison and probation service.

The Ministry of Justice actively promotes equality and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are changing careers or entering public service for the first time, this role offers a clear pathway into a respected and rewarding profession.

Application Process

Interested candidates must complete an online application through the official Ministry of Justice recruitment platform.

The recruitment process includes:

1. Initial online application
2. Stage 1 online assessment
3. Stage 2 values-based assessment
4. Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
5. Medical and fitness assessments
6. Security and background checks

Candidates who successfully pass the assessment process may receive an immediate job offer if vacancies are available. Otherwise, successful applicants may be placed on a reserve list for future openings.

Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process are encouraged to request support during the application stage.

Only shortlisted candidates will progress through the assessment process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is visa sponsorship available for this role?

Yes. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible applicants, subject to UK Immigration Rules and Ministry of Justice requirements.

Do I need previous prison experience?

No. Previous prison or security experience is not required. Full training is provided to successful candidates.

What shifts will I work?

Prison Officers work rotating shifts that may include evenings, weekends, nights, and public holidays.

Is this a physically demanding role?

Yes. Candidates must pass fitness, hearing, eyesight, and medical assessments before appointment.

Can I apply without formal qualifications?

Yes. No formal qualifications are required. The role focuses more on personal qualities, resilience, communication skills, and professionalism.

What career progression opportunities are available?

The Prison Service offers structured progression into specialist operational, supervisory, training, and leadership positions within HMPPS and the wider Civil Service.

Is flexible working available?

Yes. Full-time, part-time, flexible working, and job-share opportunities may be available depending on operational requirements.

Where is HMP Leyhill located?

HMP Leyhill is located near Gloucester in South West England. Due to limited public transport, having your own transport may be beneficial.