Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Altcourse

SECURE THE PRESENT, SHAPE THE FUTURE - Transform Lives as a Prison Custody Officer!

If you’re pursuing a career with meaning, we welcome you to apply for the position of Prison Custody Officer at HMP Altcourse. As a Prison Custody Officer, you’ll stand at the forefront of ensuring safety and order within our facilities. This isn’t merely a job; it’s an opportunity to become an integral part of a team devoted to rehabilitation, security, and community welfare.

Our comprehensive 8-week training program, carried out locally, will swiftly bring you up to speed and furnish you with the necessary tools to excel in your role. From shadowing seasoned colleagues to mastering conflict resolution techniques, you’ll be fully equipped for the challenges ahead.

To be a successful Prison Custody Officer, the behaviours and qualities you bring are what matter most.

Working as a Prison Custody Officer demands resilience, patience, and a strong sense of duty. It’s not a role for the faint-hearted. You’ll encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are facing significant challenges and grappling with the consequences of their actions. Your days will be filled with moments of tension, unpredictability, and occasional conflict.

You will need to embody the following behaviours to thrive in this role:

• Calm Under Pressure: Manage stressful or volatile situations with a clear head and composed demeanour.
• Empathy and Respect: Treat everyone with dignity, understanding that respect is essential to building rapport and maintaining authority.
• Strong Ethical Standards: Uphold fairness and integrity in all interactions, ensuring trust and accountability.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Stay focused and effective even in challenging or rapidly changing circumstances.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and confidently convey information, listen actively, and handle difficult conversations tactfully.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Address disputes constructively, using de-escalation techniques where necessary.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with colleagues to ensure safety and operational efficiency, contributing to a supportive work environment.
• Vigilance: Maintain high levels of observation and awareness to pre-empt risks and respond swiftly when needed.

Through daily interactions, you’ll establish rapport with prisoners and witness their progression. This role also rewards personal growth, teamwork, and career advancement opportunities.

• Maintaining safety, security and discipline within the prison environment.
• Supervising daily routines, activities and prisoner movements.
• Building professional relationships to foster a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
• Escorting prisoners securely within and outside the facility when required.
• Responding to challenging situations with calmness, professionalism, and resilience.
• Supporting rehabilitation programs and encouraging positive behaviours.

• Starting salary £29,930.28, with annual increases over initial 5 years’ service.
• Free meals (if applicable) and parking.
• Access to our on-site gym and subsidised gym membership.
• Opportunity to earn overtime (subject to availability).
• Comprehensive paid training and progression opportunities.
• Life assurance.
• Pension schemes and much more!

Please see the benefits guide attached which outlines all of Sodexo's excellent benefits!

Whether your background is in the Armed Forces, Social Care, Support Work, Teaching, Retail, or another field, if you’re looking for a career with transformative potential, consider exploring opportunities with Sodexo Justice Services.

Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.

To progress your application, we will need to complete a pre-screening call within a few days of your submission. You will then be invited to participate in an assessment centre. All offers are subject to full security clearance checks. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

We’re all about building a workplace for the future. We believe in equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and everyone can be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.