Prison Officer - HMP Portland and HMP The Verne

Prison officer - HMP Portland & HMP The Verne

Locations: 104 Grove Road, Grove, Portland DT5 1DL & Verne Common Road, Portland, DT5 1EQ

Salary: £36,816 per year for a 39-hour week (includes 20% unsociable hours).

Overview

Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives. The role requires empathy, self confidence, great communication skills and resilience.

You'll work as a peacekeeper, counsellor or teacher, building constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners and supporting your colleagues across shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Protect the public and maintain safety and security within the prison.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with prisoners.
• Support and collaborate with colleagues as a single team.
• Work a variety of shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• At least 18 years old at the time of commencement of employment.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight and hearing tests.
• Ability to demonstrate communication, decision making, caring, and influencing skills.
• Tattoos allowed under national policy; facial tattoos generally not accepted (unless for cultural, religious or medical reasons).

Working Arrangements

Shift patterns of 37, 39 or 41 hours per week are available after training. Working hours, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, converge to a 39 hour week for most prisons.

A valid UK driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified.

Pay & Benefits

Pay structure (annual salary):

• 37 hours: £34,928
• 39 hours: £36,816
• 41 hours: £39,334

Benefits include:

• 25 days' annual holiday (30 days after 10 years' service).
• Paid holidays and one extra privilege day.
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97 %.
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.

Assessment Process

Assessment includes:

• Communicating and influencing.
• Managing a quality service.
• Making effective decisions.
• Caring towards prisoners.
• Numerical, written and spoken English.

Equal Opportunities

The Civil Service is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

Contact & Closing Date

Closing date: 23 July 2026.