Location: HMP Manchester, 1 Southall St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M60 9AH
Region: North West
Business Unit: Manchester
Civil Service Grade: AO
Job ID: 7604
Published Date: 10 July 2025
Closing Date: 24 July 2025
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Type: Merit
Salary: £33,746 – £38,003 per annum, depending on weekly hours (includes applicable allowances)
A Meaningful Career That Makes a Difference
Looking for a unique and rewarding role where you can make a real impact on people’s lives and contribute to public protection? If you have strong communication skills, resilience, and empathy, a career as a Prison Officer at HMP Manchester could be your next step.
Our prison officers play a vital role in maintaining safety, supporting rehabilitation, and building positive relationships with prisoners during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. If you are ready for a challenging yet fulfilling public service role, we want to hear from you.
Regarding the responsibilities
As a prison officer, you’ll need to show:
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- The ability to remain calm under pressure
- A commitment to teamwork and maintaining a safe environment for all
Every day will be different—one moment you’ll be resolving conflicts, the next you may be offering guidance or mentoring. In this fast-paced and varied environment, you’ll be part of a supportive team delivering a safe, decent, and secure prison regime.
Work Schedule
After initial training (37 hours/week), you can choose from:
- 37 hours/week – £33,746 per year
- 39 hours/week – £35,875 per year
- 41 hours/week – £38,003 per year
You must be flexible, as shifts may include evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Conditions for entry
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of starting the role
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Pass medical, eyesight, hearing, and fitness assessments
- Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements (details below)
- Undergo Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC) vetting
- You must have been a UK resident for the last 3 consecutive years
Tattoos are permitted but must not be offensive or intimidating. Facial tattoos are not generally acceptable unless for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
Citizenship requirements:
You may apply if you are:
- A UK national
- A national of the Republic of Ireland
- A Commonwealth citizen with the right to work in the UK
- A national of the EU/EEA/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein with settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- A Turkish national eligible under ECAA rules
Visit: Nationality Rules
Due to recent changes, Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not guaranteed. Please ensure you meet the revised eligibility criteria before applying.
Professional Development
You’ll begin with full-time training to prepare you for the role. Following successful completion, ongoing development opportunities are available. If unsuccessful as a prison officer, you may be offered a role as an Operational Support Grade (OSG).
Intake and Assessment
You’ll be assessed on:
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring and empathy
The selection process includes:
- Online Tests (Judgement & Numerical Reasoning)
- Task-Based Assessment
- Online Assessment Centre (OAC) – evaluates behaviour, strengths, and abilities
Access the Interactive Activity to experience typical day-to-day scenarios.
Security Vetting
Due to the prison’s high-security status, CTC vetting is mandatory. You must:
- Provide evidence of continuous UK residency over the past three years
- Have up-to-date identification and right-to-work documentation
Situations like gap years, travel, or extended overseas visits may still be considered if your UK residency status was maintained.
Shipping and Handling:
Some prisons have limited public transport access. While a driving licence and vehicle are helpful, they are not essential. You are responsible for reaching your place of work on time, regardless of shift start times.
interest
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after 10 years
- Paid public holidays and 1 privilege day
- Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution)
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and other staff benefits
Learn more: Prison Officer Benefits
Commitment to Inclusion
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to supporting applicants with disabilities. Reasonable adjustments must be arranged before assessments.
Tick ‘yes’ on the application if you require adjustments.
Additional Initiatives
- Veterans Interview Scheme: Guaranteed interviews for ex-armed forces members meeting minimum criteria. Learn more
- Redeployment Interview Scheme: Support for Civil Servants at risk of redundancy.
Important Notes
- Offers are made based on merit list ranking from assessment scores
- If unsuccessful, a 6-month wait period applies before reapplying
- All statements must reflect your genuine experiences. Use of AI tools must not misrepresent your qualifications or experience.
Contact Details
For help or queries:
📞 0345 241 5358 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
📧 MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Reference: 7604
Apply Now
Take the first step toward a rewarding and meaningful role in public service.
Closing date: 24 July 2025
Security Clearance Required:
- DBS Enhanced
- Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC)
Keywords integrated:
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