Working in the Prison and Probation Service

A career in public protection, reducing reoffending, and changing lives

Jenny, 16 June 2020 - Personal stories, Probation

Jenny talks about the skills she’s learning as a new Probation Officer during the coronavirus pandemic.

Being a Youth Justice Worker

Alex, 5 June 2020 - Personal stories

Youth Justice Worker Alex, from Feltham Young Offender Institution, shares how he and his team are supporting those in their care during the coronavirus pandemic.

Joining the Frontline - Deployed from MoJ HQ to a Prison

Sally, 14 May 2020 - Personal stories

At the end of March 2020, Sally responded to the Covid-19 staff call up and moved from a professional services team based at HMPPS HQ to return to a Male Category C establishment where she had previously worked ten years ago.

New prison officer apprenticeship scheme

Recruitment Team, 5 February 2020 - Career progression

Being a prison officer involves a great deal of skill, specialist training and professionalism. In 2021, anyone successfully applying to become a prison officer in England will work towards a level 3 Custody and Detention Professional Apprenticeship qualification as they train.

Openly LGBTI+ in the prison service: celebrating pride

Nic, 8 July 2019 - Culture, Personal stories

What's it like being openly LGBTI+ in the prison service? Nic tells us about being out at work, and celebrating pride with colleagues.

New prison officer online test: what you need to know

Recruitment Team, 1 July 2019 - Recruitment advice

All prison officer job applications from 1 July 2019 onwards will include a new game-based online test. Find out everything you need to know right here

How one-to-one conversations are helping make prisons safer

Officer Leeming, 25 April 2019 - Culture, Ways of working

The key worker scheme is being rolled out across the entire closed male estate, with prison officers managing around 5-6 offenders on a one-to-one basis. Find out from Prison Officer Leeming how the scheme allows prison officers more time and flexibility to provide offenders with the best chance of engaging in rehabilitation.

More than just a kitchen - changing lives through food

Andy Williams, 18 April 2019 - Culture, Personal stories, Recruitment advice

Catering managers work to not only make a difference to people in custody but also to the wider community. They’re fully qualified, professional chefs who pass on their expertise to serving prisoners in the kitchen teaching them valuable skills. Find out more from Andy, a catering manager at HMP Feltham.

Celebrating prison officers – guest post by the Butler Trust

Simon Shepherd, 29 March 2019 - Guest post

Picture this: you’re a prison officer, sitting amongst 30 other front line staff from prisons, probation and youth justice. You’re with the Secretary of State for Justice, the Prisons Minister, other leading figures from across the service, and you’re all nervously awaiting the arrival of The Princess Royal (Princess Anne). You’re about to become an award-winning prison officer through the Butler Trust. Find out how this could be you.

Could you work as a prison officer? This tool helps you find out

Recruitment Team, 18 March 2019 - Recruitment advice, Ways of working

Being a prison officer can be a challenging yet rewarding career - but what is it really like? We’ve created a tool that can help you find out if working in the prison service is right for you. Try it yourself.

Blog Working in the Prison and Probation Service

Michael's Journey: From OSG to Account Manager in the Prison Service (Part one)