Prison Officer

Location: HMP Ashfield, Bristol, BS16 9QJ
Salary: Up to £34,670 per annum*
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, averaging 40 hours per week

Now Hiring for Positions Commencing in February 2027

Build a Career That Makes a Difference

At HMP Ashfield, we believe that great Prison Officers come from all walks of life. Whether you have a background in customer service, the military, healthcare, security, education, retail, or something completely different, what matters most is your ability to communicate, show resilience, and positively influence others.

As a Prison Officer, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment while helping individuals work towards rehabilitation and a better future.

Salary & Benefits

Your starting salary will be £29,314 per annum, increasing to £30,442  after 12 months. Once you successfully complete your Prison Custody Officer (PCO) Portfolio or PCO Apprenticeship, which can typically be achieved within 12-18 months, your salary will increase to £34,670 per annum.

In addition, we offer:

• Potential earnings of approximately £37,800 per year through overtime opportunities (based on an average of 4 hours per week, although overtime cannot be guaranteed).
• Clear progression routes into Operational Management roles, with salaries ranging from £36,000 to £42,000.
• Pension scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• Employee reward and recognition programmes.
• Serco employee discounts including cinema tickets, online shopping, leisure memberships, and Blue Light Card eligibility.

About the Role

As a Prison Officer, you'll be at the heart of prison operations, helping to maintain safety, security, and rehabilitation within the establishment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supervising prisoners during daily activities on residential wings.
• Supporting and encouraging participation in education, training, and work programmes.
• Conducting prisoner counts, cell searches, and other security-related duties.
• Completing essential operational and administrative tasks.
• Managing and supporting prisoners who may be at risk of self-harm.
• Building professional relationships that encourage positive behaviour and rehabilitation.

No two days are the same, and your actions can make a genuine difference to people's lives.

Shift Pattern - HMP Ashfield operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a Prison Officer, you'll work a rotating shift pattern that includes days, evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays. Our shift system is designed to provide regular periods of time off, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Training & Development

No previous prison experience is required.

Successful candidates will attend a comprehensive 10-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at HMP Ashfield, with 100% attendance required.

The programme includes:

• 8 weeks of classroom-based learning.
• 2 weeks of on-the-job shadowing.
• Diploma in Custodial Care.
• First Aid qualification.
• Control and Restraint training.
• Ongoing mentoring and support from experienced colleagues.

Recruitment Process

Following your application, you'll complete an online assessment. Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment centre which includes:

• Role play exercise.
• Written exercise.
• Competency-based interview.
• Maths assessment.

Fitness Assessment

You'll also be required to pass a fitness assessment consisting of:

• Bleep Test - 15-metre shuttle run, reaching level 5.4 (approximately 3 minutes 40 seconds).
• Agility Test - Completion of a timed obstacle course.
• Shield Hold Test - Holding a shield at a 45-degree angle for one minute.
• Grip Strength Test - Minimum requirement of 28kg in both hands.

Why Join Serco?

• Meaningful Work - Prison Officers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of prisoners, colleagues, and visitors, while supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
• Career Opportunities - Whether you're looking to progress into Operational Management or specialise in areas such as Psychology, Education, Healthcare, or Animal Care, Serco offers a range of development opportunities.
• Supportive Environment - Our focus on rehabilitation and safeguarding helps create a safer and more positive prison environment, supported by experienced colleagues who are committed to helping you succeed.

Please note that this position is based at HMP Ashfield, Shortwood Road, Pucklechurch, Bristol, BS16 9QJ. Due to the nature of the shift patterns, applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their commute before applying. We recommend candidates live within approximately 30 miles of the prison to support punctuality, wellbeing, and work-life balance.

What else do I need to know?
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Whilst we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria: 

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa to ensure sufficient time in the role.
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year

For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website. 
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks, and satisfactory employment references.  You’ll be required to provide 5 years of employment and education history as part of these checks. You will be required to obtain Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 Clearance & Enhanced DBS with adult and child barring vetting clearances (which required 5 years of checkable history).

A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: 
Applicants with disabilities and veterans who meet the minimum job criteria are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.

For support with your application, please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

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