Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside

Role overview

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is hiring prison officers for HMP Swaleside in Sittingbourne, England. This is a demanding, varied role focused on keeping the public safe while supporting people in custody to make better choices and rebuild their lives.

The salary for this position is £37,246 to £41,503.

What the role involves

No two days are the same in this fast-moving environment. You may be maintaining order and safety at one moment, then offering guidance, support, or education the next. The work is hands-on and involves direct contact with prisoners throughout the day.

You will be expected to work as part of a close team, helping to protect prisoners, colleagues, and the wider prison community. The role also requires working a mix of shifts, including weekends.

Who this role suits

This opportunity is suitable for people from a wide range of backgrounds. Relevant experience could come from roles in teaching, retail, the armed forces, parenting, or other people-focused environments. The key qualities sought are integrity, resilience, self-confidence, empathy, and strong communication skills.

Successful candidates should be comfortable building respectful, constructive, and professional relationships with offenders, even in difficult situations. A collaborative mindset is essential, as teamwork is central to maintaining safety and order.

Training and development

New prison officers receive strong training and ongoing development support, with opportunities to progress and specialise in different areas over time.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the role includes 25 days of annual leave, childcare vouchers, season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and access to the Cycle to Work scheme.

Application note

If you believe your qualities match what is needed for this role, you can apply for consideration.