CM Physical Education + Staff Support, Ministry of Justice, Warrington – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is actively recruiting for a Custodial Manager Physical Education + Staff Support role in Warrington. This is an excellent full-time opportunity for experienced Physical Education Instructors, including foreign applicants seeking UK work visa sponsorship. With a competitive salary range of £37,417 - £39,214, this position also offers a unique chance to contribute to staff wellbeing and offender rehabilitation within the Civil Service.

Job Description

This management role involves the day-to-day oversight of the PE Department and supporting the delivery of PE Pathways within the establishment. As a Custodial Manager with specialist Physical Education Instructor (PEI) training, you will play a crucial role in both operational duties and the strategic development of PE programs.

Beyond direct PE responsibilities, you will be a key member of the establishment's wellbeing committee, actively supporting staff returning to work and driving continuous improvement in staff support services. This involves close collaboration with Area Staff Support, Wellbeing Leads, and senior management teams to facilitate a robust wellbeing offer.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a PEI in a custodial setting is essential.
• Must hold necessary and in-date PE mandatory qualifications.
• Be a fully trained Prison Officer and have completed SO or CM JSAC Assessment (or equivalent prior experience).
• Possess a thorough knowledge of PE policy and standards.
• Hold an IQA qualification or equivalent to oversee PE educational qualifications, or be actively working towards it.
• Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English.
• Visa sponsorship is available, making this role open to foreign/overseas applicants who require a UK work visa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of £37,417 - £39,214.
• Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship available for eligible overseas applicants.
• Opportunity to contribute to both offender rehabilitation and staff wellbeing.
• Civil Service pension scheme.
• Regular unsocial hours payment for work outside standard hours.
• Hybrid working arrangements offered by the MoJ.
• Supportive work environment within HMP Thorn Cross.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting a Civil Service role like this within the Ministry of Justice, preparation is key. Focus on tailoring your CV to highlight your PEI experience, particularly any leadership or management responsibilities, and ensure it aligns with UK professional standards. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect this experience, making it attractive to UK employers. Prepare a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description and explicitly mentions your visa sponsorship requirement, if applicable.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your experience in a custodial setting, your leadership capabilities, and how you've contributed to staff and inmate wellbeing. For the visa sponsorship conversation, articulate your understanding of the Skilled Worker visa requirements and your commitment to a long-term career in the UK. Ensure you can confidently demonstrate your English language proficiency.

• Update your CV to a UK format, emphasizing PEI and management experience.
• Craft a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and your visa sponsorship needs.
• Familiarize yourself with the Civil Service Success Profile Criteria: Working Together, Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Changing and Improving.
• Prepare examples of how you meet each of the required behaviours and experiences.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and HMP Thorn Cross to show genuine interest and understanding of their mission.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is explicitly available for this position, meaning foreign and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are welcome to apply. This role is openly advertised as eligible for sponsorship. If you are a non-UK resident or your current visa status is nearing expiry, ensure you clearly state your need for sponsorship in your application. The Ministry of Justice is actively seeking diverse talent for this role.