Prison Officer Returners Scheme

If you are a former prison officer or youth justice worker with less than 5 years gap in service and completed foundation training and probation before leaving HMPPS, we would like you to consider re-joining us to support your former colleagues to keep prisons and the public safe. We can offer you a simplified return with no need to repeat the online tests, the online assessment centre or foundation training. If you are allocated to a women's prison, you will need to complete the additional assessment for women's prisons if you have not completed it previously. Eligibility You can apply to return as a prison officer if you:

• left HMPPS within the last 5 years
• previously worked as a prison officer at band 3, 4 or 5
• previously worked as a youth justice worker at band 3 or 4
• completed foundation training and your full probation period as a prison officer or youth justice worker
If you worked in another HMPPS role before becoming a prison officer or youth justice worker, you need to have:
• completed your full probation period in that role
• and have worked as a prison officer or youth justice worker for more than 12 months before leaving
The scheme is also open to former prison officers and youth justice workers who are currently working within the MoJ (excluding HMPPS) or other government departments. HMPPS reserves the right to refuse reappointment to former prison officers and youth justice workers on grounds of previous poor attendance or performance.


• Be at least 18 years old at the point you commence employment
• Meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements (see nationality requirements section below)
• As this is a physically active job, you will need to pass a medical and fitness assessment as part of the application process
• Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (both with and without corrective lenses)
• For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
• Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

When you have been allocated to a vacancy, you will then need to attend the medical and fitness assessment and pre-employment checks (which includes occupational health) will be completed. If you are allocated to a women's prison, you will need to complete the additional assessment for women's prisons if you have not completed it previously. You will return to full-time hours (starting at 37 hours a week), unless you request other hours when you apply. Pay You will return as a Band 3 on pay point 2. If returning full-time, you will be given a contract for 37 hours a week. Once in post you can choose to increase to 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours. National:
• 37 hours a week (pay point 2) = £33,583 a year
• 39 hours a week (pay point 2) = £35,701 a year
• 41 hours a week (pay point 2) = £37,819 a year
Outer London:
• 37 hours a week (pay point 2) = £37,343 a year
• 39 hours a week (pay point 2) = £39,698 a year
• 41 hours a week (pay point 2) = £42,053 a year
Inner London:
• 37 hours a week (pay point 2) = £39,301 a year
• 39 hours a week (pay point 2) = £41,780 a year
• 41 hours a week (pay point 2) = £44,258 a year
All starting salary figures quoted are for 2024/25 and include the 20% unsocial hours allowance. Some establishments also receive a market supplement of £2,000 or £3,500 per year. You can find out more about this when your eligibility for the scheme has been confirmed.,
• 25 days' annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service)
• Paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension of up to 20% of your salary
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits