Prison Officer – HMP Humber | Hull/York, England | Sponsorship Available

About the Role

The UK Ministry of Justice is recruiting motivated and resilient individuals to join the team as Prison Officers at HMP Humber in Yorkshire. This is a unique opportunity to begin a meaningful career where every day brings new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities to positively impact lives.

Working as a Prison Officer is far more than a traditional security role. Officers play a critical part in protecting the public while supporting prisoners through rehabilitation and personal development. You will help maintain safety, encourage positive behaviour, and build professional relationships with prisoners to support their progression and reduce reoffending.

HMP Humber is seeking applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Whether you have worked in customer service, education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, the armed forces, or another people-focused role, your communication skills, resilience, empathy, and decision-making abilities could make you an excellent fit for this career path.

This role offers structured training, long-term career progression, flexible working options, and the possibility of Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. It is an ideal opportunity for individuals seeking stable employment with strong benefits and a clear sense of purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain safety, security, and order within the prison environment
• Build positive and professional relationships with prisoners
• Support prisoner rehabilitation and personal development activities
• Monitor prisoner behaviour and respond appropriately to incidents
• Conduct searches, security checks, and routine inspections
• Work collaboratively with prison staff and external agencies
• Manage challenging situations calmly and professionally
• Support prisoners with wellbeing, guidance, and daily routines
• Complete reports and maintain accurate records
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and operational procedures

Candidate Requirements

Required Skills and Qualities

• Must be at least 18 years old before employment begins
• Ability to communicate confidently in English
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Good judgement and effective decision-making abilities
• Caring, respectful, and resilient personality
• Commitment to teamwork and maintaining safety standards
• Ability to work in a physically active environment
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Must pass medical, fitness, eyesight, and hearing assessments
• Must meet Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with people in demanding environments
• Background in customer service, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, or security
• Experience handling challenging or high-pressure situations
• Driving licence and access to transport beneficial due to prison location

Job Details

Job Title: Prison Officer – HMP Humber
Employer: UK Ministry of Justice
Location: HMP Humber
City/Town: Hull / York
Region: Yorkshire
Job Type: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working
Vacancy Type: Pass
Civil Service Grade: AO
Job ID: 17377
Closing Date: 4 June 2026

Salary

After training, employees can choose their weekly working hours:

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

All salary figures include applicable allowances and unsocial hours payments.

Visa Sponsorship

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible applicants in line with current UK Immigration Rules. Sponsorship is not guaranteed, and candidates must maintain valid Right to Work status throughout employment.

Benefits

Employees at HMP Humber receive a comprehensive Civil Service benefits package, including:

• Competitive annual salary with unsocial hours allowance
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship consideration
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 10 years
• Paid public holidays plus one additional privilege day
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel loans and employee discounts
• Paid prison officer training programme
• Career progression opportunities within the Civil Service
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for additional paid hours
• Access to employee wellbeing and support programmes

Why Join the UK Ministry of Justice?

Working for the UK Ministry of Justice means joining an organisation committed to public service, inclusion, diversity, and professional development. Prison Officers make a direct contribution to society by helping maintain secure institutions while supporting rehabilitation and safer communities.

This role provides extensive training, structured career development, and the chance to build valuable leadership and communication skills in a highly respected public sector environment. Every day presents meaningful work, teamwork opportunities, and the ability to positively influence the lives of others.

The Civil Service is committed to attracting talent from diverse backgrounds and supporting employees throughout their careers. Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during recruitment are encouraged to request support during the application process.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the official online application process for Prison Officer recruitment. The recruitment stages include:

1. Initial application form
2. Stage 1 online judgement and numerical tests
3. Stage 2 values-based assessment
4. Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
5. Medical and fitness assessments
6. Final vetting and onboarding

Candidates who successfully pass the Online Assessment Centre may receive an immediate offer where vacancies are available or be placed on a reserve list for future vacancies.

Applicants should ensure all information provided is truthful and based on their own experience. The Ministry of Justice warns against plagiarism or misuse of artificial intelligence during the application process.

Only shortlisted and successful candidates will proceed through the recruitment stages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is visa sponsorship available for this Prison Officer role?

Yes. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible applicants under current UK immigration rules.

Do I need previous prison or security experience?

No. Formal qualifications and prison experience are not required. Personal qualities such as resilience, communication skills, and teamwork are more important.

What is the salary for Prison Officers at HMP Humber?

The salary ranges from £33,746 to £38,003 per year depending on contracted weekly hours.

Are shift patterns included?

Yes. Prison Officers work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, nights, and public holidays.

Is training provided?

Yes. Successful applicants receive a structured training programme before starting operational duties.

Do I need to pass a fitness test?

Yes. All candidates must complete medical, hearing, eyesight, and fitness assessments as part of the recruitment process.

Can international applicants apply?

Eligible international applicants who meet Civil Service nationality and immigration requirements may apply. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered.

Is transport required?

A driving licence is beneficial because some prison locations have limited public transport access, although it is not always mandatory.