Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside

Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside

Location: HMP Swaleside, Brabazon Rd, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey ME12 4AX

Starting salary (39 hours/week, 20% unsocial): £ 40,316

Region: Kent, Surrey & Sussex

Vacancy type: Merit

Sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have, and can maintain, the appropriate right to work in the UK.

Prison officers protect the public and have a positive impact on prisoners' lives.

Key Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass medical, fitness, eyesight and hearing assessments.
• Meet required eyesight standard with or without corrective lenses.
• Have suitable hearing (no hearing aids).
• Tattoos may be visible only if not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating. Facial tattoos generally not acceptable.
• If working in a high-security Category A prison, you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.

Nationality (EEO)

• Republic of Ireland nationals
• Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK
• EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and their family members with settled or pre-settled status
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who qualified under EUSS pre-31 Dec 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members with right to work in Civil Service

Essential Skills

• Communication and influencing skills
• Commitment to quality
• Care and understanding

Pay

• 37 hours weekly: £ 38,428 a year
• 39 hours weekly: £ 40,316 a year
• 41 hours weekly: £ 42,834 a year

All salary figures include any applicable allowances.

Benefits

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

Travel to Work

A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed; it is the employee's responsibility to arrive on time.

Closing date: 23rd July 2026.