A job in public service offers a chance to make a real difference. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a UK department that affects everyone’s life. It is in charge of courts, prisons, and legal aid. The department needs skilled and dedicated people to join in 2025.
New projects and a need for reform mean many new roles are open. The MoJ is looking for people with many different backgrounds and skills. This guide will show you the Top Ministry of Justice Jobs 2025: Salary, Benefits & Career Opportunities. We will cover the best roles, the expected pay, and the perks of a Civil Service career.
Top Ministry of Justice Jobs 2025: Salary, Benefits & Career Opportunities
The Ministry of Justice is not just one single office. It is a large family of agencies and other public bodies. Each part has a specific and important job. Understanding this structure helps you find the right role. The biggest agency is HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS). HMPPS runs the prison and probation services for England and Wales. This is where most of the frontline operational jobs are found.
You also have HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). This body manages the administration for all criminal, civil, and family courts. The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) helps people get the legal help they need. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) protects adults who cannot make their own decisions. The best jobs for 2025 are in three main groups. These are frontline operations, head office jobs like tech and data, and specialist legal roles. This article will look at each of these paths for you.
Read more: Current vacancies
Top Jobs in HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
HMPPS is the operational center of the MoJ. These jobs are on the front line and are vital for public safety. They offer good training, clear paths for promotion, and solid pay.
Prison Officer
The Prison Officer is the most widely known MoJ job. You are responsible for keeping a prison safe and secure. You also work directly with prisoners to help them reform. This job needs you to be a leader, a mentor, and a support figure. The pay for 2025 is very competitive for this role. A new officer in training starts on a salary of around £30,000. This can rise to £37,000 or more in London and the South East. After you finish your training, you can move up. You can choose a special area like the dog unit, security, or prisoner support. The next steps up are Supervising Officer and then Custodial Manager.
Probation Staff (PSO and Probation Officer)
The probation team works with offenders living in the community. They also work in the courts. Their main goal is to guide offenders and stop them from reoffending. A Probation Service Officer (PSO) is a great way to start. You will manage a group of low-risk offenders. You also give support to qualified Probation Officers. Pay for a PSO starts at £26,000 and can go up to £32,000.
To become a Qualified Probation Officer, you need a special qualification. You can get this through a paid training program. You will manage high-risk offenders and write reports for the court. Qualified officers earn from £35,000 up to £46,000 for senior positions. Please let me know if this style and tone are correct. If you approve, I will continue writing the next section on “In-Demand Tech & Data Jobs at Justice Digital.”
Read more: Justice and Global Projects Officer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: Do I need a law degree to work at the Ministry ofJustice?
- No. Most jobs do not require a law degree. Specialist legal jobs, like a Crown Advocate, will need one. Roles like Prison Officer, Probation Officer (via training), and all digital jobs are open to people from any background.
- Q2: What is the MoJ’s policy on remote working?
- This depends on the job. Frontline roles, such as Prison Officer or Court Usher, must be done on-site. Many head office, policy, and digital jobs offer hybrid working. This usually means you split your time between home and an office (e.g., 2-3 days per week).
- Q3: How long does the application process take?
- You should be patient, as the process can be long. Because of the detailed security checks, it can take between 4 and 6 months from application to your first day.
- Q4: What is the security vetting like?
- All MoJ jobs require security vetting. This check looks at your past, including any criminal convictions, cautions, or police investigations. It also checks your finances and any connections you have to offenders. You must be completely honest and declare everything.
- Q5: What is the pension like for MoJ jobs?
- MoJ employees get to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme. This is a defined-benefit pension, which is very rare today. It is based on your salary, not the stock market, and is considered one of the best pensions available.
- Q6: What qualifications do I need to be a Prison Officer?
- You do not need a degree to be a prison officer. You must be at least 18 years old to start. The application process includes online tests for numeracy and behavior, and you must pass a medical and fitness test.
- Q7: Will I have to work nights and weekends?
- For operational jobs like Prison Officer, yes. These roles operate 24/7. You will be expected to work a pattern of shifts that includes nights, weekends, and public holidays.
- Q8: How much annual leave do you get?
- New starters get 25 days of paid annual leave. This increases to 30 days after you have completed 5 years of service. This is in addition to all public and bank holidays