Prison Officer at HMP Channings Wood, Denbury

Overview

Join HMP Channings Wood as a Prison Officer at their Denbury, South West England location (TQ12 6DW). This role involves protecting the public and positively influencing prisoners' lives. Starting salary for a 39-hour week is £36,816, including a 20% unsocial hours allowance. The position is merit-based and may offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship subject to eligibility, although such sponsorship is unlikely during the current recruitment period due to regulations and timing. Applicants must ensure they hold the right to work in the UK.

Role Highlights

Prison Officers at HMP Channings Wood perform a multifaceted role requiring empathy, strong communication, resilience, and the ability to form positive relationships in a dynamic, sometimes challenging environment. They can expect to serve in a team-focused setting, working various shifts including weekends. Daily duties vary between maintaining order, providing support, counseling, and teaching inmates.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Must be 18 or older upon starting employment
• Meet Civil Service Nationality requirements (including UK nationals, Republic of Ireland citizens, Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights, eligible EU nationals, and others as specified)
• Pass a medical and physical fitness assessment, including hearing and eyesight standards (no hearing aids; tattoos must not be offensive or threatening)
• Residency in the UK for the last three years required for working in high-security prisons

Although not mandatory, having a driving license and personal transport is advantageous due to rural and limited public transit options.

Skills and Personal Qualities

• Effective communication and influence capabilities
• Commitment to delivering quality service
• Sound decision-making ability
• Empathy and understanding towards others

Working Conditions and Salary

The role requires working various shifts on a rotating pattern usually averaging 39 hours weekly; shifts include evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays (counted as holiday days). Salary corresponds to weekly hours worked:

• £34,928 for 37 hours/week
• £36,816 for 39 hours/week
• £39,334 for 41 hours/week

Additional paid hours may be available. The prison operates 24/7.

Benefits

• Starting with 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 after 10 years of service
• Paid public holidays plus an additional privileged day off
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
• Access to schemes such as cycle to work and travel loans

Recruitment Process

The hiring process includes several assessments to evaluate behaviors, abilities, numeracy, written and spoken English skills, and the demonstration of key values required for the role. These include communication, quality management, decision-making, and caring qualities. Online tests and an online assessment center are part of the process. Successful candidates are placed on a merit list from which job offers are made. The merit list remains valid for 12 months.

Additional Opportunities

Candidates who do not succeed as Prison Officer applicants may be offered an alternative Operational Support Grade (OSG) role, for which holding a valid UK driving license is necessary.

Medical and Diversity Support

Medical and fitness assessments, including eyesight and hearing tests, are required and conducted in the UK. The MoJ encourages disability confident practices offering reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for Skilled Worker visas may be available but is unlikely during this campaign
• There is a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible veterans as part of the civil service initiative
• Applicants must have a legal right to live and work in the UK
• Contact support is available via phone or email (details withheld to exclude source branding)
• Closing date for applications: 23 July 2026