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- Tasks: Transform lives as a Prison Custody Officer, ensuring safety and supporting rehabilitation.
- Company: Sodexo Ltd, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £31,752.24, free meals, gym access, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your empathy and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing development and progression opportunities in a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
About this job
Employer: Sodexo Ltd
Location: Manchester, M27 8FB
Pay: £30,000.00 to £35,000.00 per year, Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 05/03/2026
Overview
Please note: This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route in line with current UK immigration rules.
What you’ll do
- Transform Lives as a Prison Custody Officer. You’ll play a crucial role in maintaining safety, security, and order within our prison facilities.
- Support rehabilitation initiatives and encourage positive behaviours.
- Build respectful, professional relationships with prisoners to promote a safer, more supportive atmosphere.
- Maintain a secure and disciplined prison environment; supervise daily routines, prisoner movements, and scheduled activities.
- Escort prisoners securely within and outside the facility.
- Respond calmly and professionally to challenging or high-pressure situations.
Who we’re looking for
There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our team is made up of people from all walks of life—whether you’re a parent, former teacher, retail worker, member of the armed forces, or simply someone who thrives on helping others. If you’re a natural people person with strong communication skills, self-confidence, empathy, and resilience, we want to hear from you.
You’ll be working with individuals who may be at the lowest point in their lives. You’ll be expected to build constructive, positive, and professional relationships based on fairness, consistency, and respect. Teamwork matters. You’ll need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and understand the importance of acting as one team to keep the prison safe for staff, visitors, and prisoners alike.
Behaviours and capabilities
- Calm Under Pressure: Manage high-stress or unpredictable situations with a level head.
- Empathy & Respect: Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
- Ethics: Maintain fairness, professionalism, and integrity at all times.
- Resilience & Adaptability: Stay composed and effective, even when the job gets tough.
- Effective Communication: Listen actively and speak clearly and confidently.
- Conflict Resolution: Use de-escalation techniques to manage tension and disputes.
- Teamwork: Collaborate closely with colleagues for the safety and success of all.
- Vigilance: Remain observant, alert, and responsive to potential risks.
Training and Development
You don’t need prior experience to apply. You’ll receive an 8-week training programme delivered locally to fully prepare you for the role, including classroom and practical learning, conflict resolution and communication training, shadowing experienced officers, and ongoing development and support.
Eligibility and requirements
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time employment begins.
- Meet the required eyesight standards in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
- Have an adequate level of hearing without the use of hearing aids, for safety reasons during training and operational duties.
- Tattoos are permitted, including visible ones, but must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not allowed, except where they are for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
What we offer
Starting salary £31,752.24 per annum, with annual increases over initial 5 years’ service. Benefits include free meals (if applicable) and parking, access to on-site gym and subsidised gym membership, eligibility for overtime (subject to availability), comprehensive paid training and progression opportunities, life assurance, BUPA healthcare, pension schemes, and more.
Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.
Application process
Interested in seeing what it’s like to work in one of our prisons? Click the link to learn more about Working in our prisons. To move forward with your application, we’ll need to complete a pre-screening process within a few days of submission. You’ll receive an email with instructions. Please check your junk or spam folder in case it lands there.
You will then be invited to participate in an assessment centre. All offers are subject to full security clearance checks. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
About the company
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.
Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Forest Bank in Manchester employer: CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD.
Contact Detail:
CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Forest Bank in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what it means to be a Prison Custody Officer and understand the key responsibilities. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with the job during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires effective communication, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you feel more prepared to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison officers! Reach out on LinkedIn or local community groups to gain insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable tips and might even refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and resources to help you prepare for the next steps in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Forest Bank in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and how they relate to the role of a Prison Custody Officer.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your communication skills, empathy, and any relevant experiences that show you can handle high-pressure situations. We love seeing how you connect with our values!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so take the time to ensure everything is clear and professional. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Prison Custody Officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as maintaining safety and supporting rehabilitation initiatives. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a PCO, you'll be working closely with individuals from various backgrounds. Be prepared to discuss your communication skills and how you've built positive relationships in past roles. Share specific examples that highlight your empathy, respect, and ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
Expect questions about how you would handle high-stress scenarios. Think of examples from your life where you've managed pressure effectively. Emphasise your resilience and adaptability, as these traits are crucial for maintaining order in a prison environment.
✨Teamwork is Key
The role requires strong collaboration with colleagues. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams and how you contribute to a supportive atmosphere. Highlight any instances where you've worked together to achieve a common goal, especially in challenging situations.
