Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
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How to become a prison officer
Help to change lives in a vital role where you'll oversee the safety, security and rehabilitation of prisoners.
What is a prison officer?
Working within the prison environment, prison officers supervise those in their custody, maintaining order and discipline but also assisting with their rehabilitation.
How do I become a prison officer?
To become a prison officer, formal qualifications aren't always required but you will need good judgement and people skills.
If you're a graduate, you could enter the prison service by applying for an accelerated two-year leadership development programme. To do this you'll need at least a 2:1 degree in any subject.
To apply to be a prison officer in England and Wales with HMPPS, you'll have to fulfil certain criteria. You must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Be physically fit
- Have good eyesight and hearing
The assessment process involves a few stages:
- A quick online application to confirm your right to live and work in the UK
- An online, scenario-based test to see how you'd react to a real-life situation
- A task-based assessment designed to show if you have the right behaviours and qualities to become a prison officer
- Visit an online assessment centre for further tests (an interview, a role play, and a written test) to determine if you'd be a good fit for the job
- Receive your results within three working days
- A vetting process that could take a few months to complete
- Medical and fitness tests
What would I do as a prison officer?
As a prison officer you'll work to maintain a secure environment that also keeps prisoners safe and supported.
You'll need to establish a balance in your relationships with prisoners - on the one hand you'll need to demonstrate authority and assertiveness; on the other you'll need a measure of understanding to help prisoners make better choices for themselves.
Your duties will probably include:
- Keeping account of prisoners in your charge and maintaining order
- Supervising and controlling prisoners - sometimes this requires authorised physical restraint
- Carrying out security checks and searches on prisoners, staff and visitors
- Escorting prisoners outside the prison
- Keeping records, writing reports and compiling prisoner reviews
- Advising prisoners and making sure they have access to professional help
- Providing support for vulnerable prisoners and those at risk of self-harm
- Dealing with prison incidents and working as part of a response team
- Being aware of prisoners' rights and their personal responsibilities
- Taking part in rehabilitation programmes
- Liaising with specialist staff such as healthcare and social workers
Becoming a prison officer could be for you if...
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You're confident – physically and emotionally
Prison can be an intimidating environment, and you'll need presence and authority throughout your day-to-day.
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You think on your feet
The unexpected happens. You'll have to think and act quickly to deal with the situation.
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You can read people
You have the people skills to understand what prisoners are thinking and feeling.
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You're on the team
You'll find yourself working as part of a wider team, maintaining security and managing prisoners.
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You listen
Every prisoner has their own story and you'll need to show empathy and understanding.
What are the typical working hours for a prison officer?
Working hours typically work out at around 37 hours per week, working in shifts, during your training period. Your hours can increase to anywhere between 39-41 hours per week following this. Although you may be contracted to work more hours.
Depending on your shifts, you'll need to work unsocial hours including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Salaries in the prison service vary depending on where in the country you are and which prison you're working in.
In many areas of England and Wales you can expect to start on around £30,000, earning up to £40,000. In London you'll can expect to earn between £38,697 and £40,726.
You'll be entitled to a Civil Service pension and other benefits which could include childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme and travel loans.
