Prison Officer - HMP Liverpool, UK (Sponsorship Available)

Prison Officer - HMP Liverpool, UK (Sponsorship Available)

HM Prison and Probation Service is recruiting motivated and resilient individuals to join the team as Prison Officers at HMP Liverpool. This is a unique opportunity to begin a meaningful career within the UK Civil Service while making a genuine difference in public safety and rehabilitation.

As a Prison Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting the public, maintaining prison security, and supporting prisoners through rehabilitation and personal development. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities - from helping maintain order and safety to encouraging positive behaviour change and supporting individuals at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

This role is ideal for candidates from a variety of backgrounds including customer service, education, retail, healthcare, armed forces, social care, and other people-focused professions. You do not need previous prison experience or formal qualifications to apply. Instead, the service is looking for individuals with integrity, communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Working at HMP Liverpool offers long-term career development, excellent Civil Service benefits, flexible working opportunities, and structured training designed to help you succeed in a challenging but highly rewarding environment.

• Supervise prisoners while maintaining a safe and secure environment.
• Build positive and professional relationships with prisoners to encourage rehabilitation.
• Monitor prisoner behaviour and respond appropriately to incidents or conflicts.
• Conduct security checks, searches, and routine patrols throughout the prison.
• Support prisoner wellbeing, safeguarding, and rehabilitation activities.
• Maintain accurate reports, records, and incident documentation.
• Work collaboratively with prison staff, healthcare teams, and rehabilitation services.
• Promote equality, respect, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Respond calmly and effectively during emergency situations.
• Follow prison procedures, operational policies, and security protocols at all times.

Candidate Requirements Required

• Must be at least 18 years old before commencing employment.
• Ability to meet Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to teamwork and delivering quality service.
• Caring and understanding approach toward people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to pass medical, fitness, eyesight, and hearing assessments.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, evenings, and public holidays.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in a high pressure environment.

Preferred

• Experience in customer facing, support, security, healthcare, education, military, or social care roles.
• Strong conflict resolution or people management experience.
• Driving licence and access to transport beneficial due to shift patterns.
• Previous experience working in structured or secure environments is advantageous but not essential.

Location: Liverpool
Workplace: HMP Liverpool, 68 Hornby Road, Liverpool
Job Type: Full time, Part time, Flexible Working, Job Share
Civil Service Grade: AO
Salary Range: £33,746 - £38,003 per year
Working Hours: 37, 39, or 41 hours per week after training
Training Hours: 37 hours per week initially
Closing Date: 04 June 2026

Salary Breakdown

• 37 hours per week - £33,746 annually
• 39 hours per week - £35,875 annually
• 41 hours per week - £38,003 annually

All salary figures include applicable allowances and unsocial hours payments.

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service.
• Additional paid public holidays and one privilege day annually.
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%.
• Structured prison officer training programme.
• Opportunities for overtime and additional paid hours.
• Flexible working and part time opportunities available.
• Career progression within the Civil Service and prison services.
• Access to cycle to work schemes and travel loans.
• Opportunities to positively impact rehabilitation and community safety.
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible applicants.

Why Join HM Prison and Probation Service

Working as a Prison Officer is far more than a security role. It is an opportunity to influence lives, support rehabilitation, and contribute to safer communities across the UK. HM Prison and Probation Service values diversity, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences.

At HMP Liverpool, staff work together in a fast paced environment where no two days are the same. Officers receive ongoing training, development opportunities, and strong peer support while building a rewarding long term career within the Civil Service.

Whether you are starting a new career path or bringing transferable skills from another profession, this role offers purpose, progression, and the chance to make a real difference every day.

Application Process

Interested applicants should complete the online application before the closing date of 04 June 2026.

The recruitment process includes:

• Initial online application
• Stage 1 online tests
• Stage 2 values based assessment
• Medical, fitness, and background checks

Successful applicants must maintain legal right to work status throughout their employment.

Only shortlisted candidates who successfully complete the assessment stages will progress further in the recruitment process.

Do I need previous prison experience to apply?

No. Formal qualifications or prison experience are not required. Transferable personal qualities and communication skills are more important.

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates, subject to UK Immigration Rules and Civil Service requirements.

What shift patterns are involved?

Prisons operate 24/7, so shifts may include evenings, weekends, nights, and public holidays.

Is this a physically demanding role?

Yes. Applicants must pass medical and fitness assessments to ensure they can safely perform operational duties.

What training is provided?

Successful candidates receive a structured prison officer training programme before beginning full operational duties.

Can I work part time or flexibly?

Yes. Full time, part time, job share, and flexible working arrangements may be available depending on operational needs.