Prison Officer Derby, United Kingdom Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is recruiting Prison Officers for HMP Sudbury, offering an opportunity to build a meaningful and rewarding career within the UK prison service. This role is ideal for individuals who are resilient, professional, compassionate, and committed to helping protect the public while supporting prisoner rehabilitation.

Working as a Prison Officer is far more than a traditional security role. Officers play a critical role in maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful environment while helping prisoners make positive changes in their lives. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, from supporting prisoner wellbeing to managing safety and encouraging rehabilitation and personal development.

The Ministry of Justice welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including customer service, education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, armed forces, and community support roles. Whether you are looking for long-term career growth, stable employment, or a meaningful public service career, this position offers structured training, career progression opportunities, and competitive benefits. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may also be available for eligible candidates under UK Immigration Rules.

Key Responsibilities

As a Prison Officer at HMP Sudbury, your duties may include:

• Supervising prisoners and maintaining safety within the prison environment
• Building positive and professional relationships with prisoners
• Supporting rehabilitation and encouraging positive behaviour change
• Conducting security checks and maintaining operational procedures
• Responding calmly and effectively to incidents or emergencies
• Monitoring prisoner wellbeing and reporting concerns appropriately
• Working collaboratively with prison staff and external professionals
• Managing prisoner movements throughout the establishment
• Encouraging participation in education, work, and rehabilitation programs
• Ensuring prison rules, policies, and standards are consistently followed

Candidate Requirements Required

Applicants interested in this Prison Officer job in the UK should meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old before employment begins
• Ability to communicate clearly and confidently in English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Good decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and public safety
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and public holidays
• Ability to pass medical, fitness, hearing, and eyesight assessments
• Must meet Civil Service nationality and Right to Work requirements
• Ability to pass enhanced DBS and security checks

Preferred

While not essential, the following experience may be beneficial:

Previous experience in security, healthcare, customer service, teaching, social care, retail, or the armed forces

Experience working in challenging or fast-paced environments

Understanding of safeguarding or rehabilitation practices

Full UK driving licence and access to transport due to rural prison location

• Job Title: Prison Officer
• Employer: Ministry of Justice - HMP Sudbury
• Work Schedule: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working, Job Share
• Salary Range:
  • £33,746 per year (37 hours/week)
  • £35,875 per year (39 hours/week including unsocial hours allowance)
  • £38,003 per year (41 hours/week)
• Job Type: Permanent
  • Shift Pattern: Rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, nights, and public holidays
  • Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible applicants

Employees joining HMP Sudbury can access a wide range of benefits, including:

• Competitive Civil Service salary structure
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship opportunities for eligible candidates
• 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after long service
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions up to 28.97%
• Career development and promotion opportunities
• Additional paid overtime opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme and travel loans
• Employee wellbeing and support programsStable long-term public sector employment

Why Join the Ministry of Justice

Working with the Ministry of Justice means becoming part of a public service organisation dedicated to protecting communities, supporting rehabilitation, and maintaining justice across the United Kingdom. Prison Officers make a real impact every day by helping individuals rebuild their lives while ensuring the safety of staff, prisoners, and the wider public.

The Ministry of Justice values diversity, inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and professional development. Staff members receive structured training, ongoing support, and access to career pathways across the wider Civil Service. This role is especially suited to individuals who want a career with purpose, responsibility, and long-term progression opportunities.

HMP Sudbury offers a dynamic and team-focused working environment where resilience, empathy, and communication skills are highly valued. If you are looking for a stable UK government job with excellent benefits and meaningful work, this opportunity could be an excellent fit.

Application Process

Interested applicants should complete the official online application through the Ministry of Justice careers portal before the closing date.

The recruitment process may include:

• Initial online application
• Stage 1 online assessment tests
• Stage 2 values-based assessment
• Medical and fitness assessment
• Security clearance and enhanced DBS checks

Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and based on personal experience. Only shortlisted candidates progressing through the recruitment stages will be contacted.

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

FAQs Is visa sponsorship available for this Prison Officer 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 or security experience?

No. The Ministry of Justice does not require previous prison officer experience. Personal qualities such as communication skills, resilience, empathy, and professionalism are considered more important.

What shifts will I work?

Prisons operate 24/7, so employees may work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, nights, and public holidays.

Is training provided?

Yes. Successful candidates will receive a structured training programme before starting full operational duties.

What is the salary for Prison Officers at HMP Sudbury?

The salary ranges from £33,746 to £38,003 annually depending on contracted weekly hours and allowances.

Can international applicants apply?

Yes. International candidates who meet eligibility requirements and Right to Work conditions may apply. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for suitable applicants.

Is this a physically demanding role?

Yes. Prison Officers must pass medical and fitness assessments because the role can involve physically active duties and emergency response situations.

Where is HMP Sudbury located?

HMP Sudbury is located in Derbyshire in the Midlands region of England. Due to limited public transport options, personal transport may be beneficial.