Prison Officer – HMP Isle of Wight (Merit Vacancy)
Location: Albany House, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5RS
Salary: £33,746 – £38,003
Closing Date: 27 January 2026
Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service
Vacancy Type: Merit
Prison Officers protect the public and make a real impact on prisoners’ lives. If you have integrity, resilience, and strong communication skills, this role could be the start of a meaningful career. You’ll work in a fast-paced environment, supporting prisoners and maintaining order and safety.
Summary
An extraordinary role where you may act as a peacekeeper, mentor, counsellor, or teacher in a single day. You’ll support prisoners during challenging moments while helping maintain a safe and respectful environment. Working patterns include evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Key Highlights
- Location: Isle of Wight, South East England
- Shift patterns: 37, 39 or 41 hours per week
- No formal qualifications required
- Full training provided
- Emphasis on teamwork and communication
- Merit-based appointment process
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet Civil Service Nationality Requirements
- Pass medical, fitness, eyesight, and hearing assessments
- Demonstrate communication, decision-making, care, and resilience
- Ensure any visible tattoos are non-offensive
- Hold valid right to live and work in the UK
- Have 3 years of UK residency for Category A prisons
Visa Information
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas. Only applicants who held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 may be considered under transitional arrangements. All applicants must maintain their legal right to work in the UK.
Salary Details
- £33,746 – 37 hours/week
- £35,875 – 39 hours/week
- £38,003 – 41 hours/week
(All figures include applicable allowances.)
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (30 days after 10 years)
- Civil Service Pension (28.97% employer contribution)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Travel loans
- Paid public holidays + 1 privilege day
- Opportunities for additional paid hours
Assessment Process
You will be assessed on:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Caring
Assessment stages include online judgment and numerical tests, behaviour and strengths assessments, and an Online Assessment Centre (OAC). Successful applicants join a 12-month merit list. Unsuccessful applicants must wait 6 months before reapplying.
Operational Support Grade (OSG) Consideration
If you do not meet the criteria for the Prison Officer role but demonstrate relevant qualities, you may be considered for an OSG role. A valid UK driving licence is required for OSG positions.
Medical and Fitness
Applicants must attend a UK-based medical centre for:
- Vision test
- Hearing test
- Blood pressure check
- General fitness assessment
Inclusion, Support and Adjustments
The Civil Service encourages diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments are available and must be requested before taking online tests or attending the OAC. Veterans who meet minimum criteria may receive a guaranteed interview under the veteran support scheme.
Contact and Reference
Job Reference: 12410
Telephone: 0345 241 5358 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
