At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for individuals in custody, ensuring their safety and dignity.
- Company: Join GEOAmey, a leading provider of correctional services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare support, and career advancement opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community of 2,000 officers making an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn.
Permanent contract on a 38 hour per week contract, with regular overtime available although not guaranteed.
You will join on an hourly rate of £12.71 per hour (£25,114.96 per annum). In addition, rates of pay increase after 12 months service to £13.65 per hour.
Full UK Driving Licence required for this role.
The start date for this role will be on 26th May 2026 for a 5-week training course finishing on 29th June 2026. The course will require 100% attendance.
Recruitment Process:
- Pre-employment security screening call & role overview (20-30-minute Telephone call)
- Pre-employment psychometric test (45-minute on-line assessment via SOVA)
- Competency Interview with hiring manager (45-minute via Microsoft Teams)
Can you deal with people from widely differing backgrounds and when they are in difficult personal circumstances? Are you flexible, confident and have the skills and ability to deal with people from widely differing backgrounds? Can you communicate effectively and deal with conflict or challenging situations calmly and with confidence? Are you non-judgemental and committed to engaging with people in a respectful way and one that upholds their dignity? If the answer is yes, we would like to ask one last question - will you please apply for an enormously rewarding and important role with us?
What is involved in this job?
- The people in your care and custody will have a variety of different needs and it will be your role to ensure they are met.
- Ensuring the people you will be responsible for are treated with dignity and respect at all times whilst maintaining a safe, secure, and structured environment.
- You have full responsibility for every aspect of the physical and mental wellbeing of adults in your care to ensure they are safe and secure.
- You will liaise with Prison and Police authorities, ensuring all documentation is completed and correct, carrying out risk assessments on vulnerable or at-risk prisoners.
- You will escort, supervise, and transport prisoners from courts, police stations or prisons.
- You will be responsible for your vehicle each day, carrying out external and internal checks and making sure it has the right equipment and consumables for the day, like food and water.
- You will support colleagues with activities in court, relating to the custody and care of prisoners in cells complexes and court docks.
What experience do I need?
You do not need it; your personal attributes are more important as we provide you with a five-week comprehensive full time training programme followed by a full week of job shadowing. This ensures you will be fully prepared to take on the role and responsibilities of a front-line Prisoner Custody Officer. We are looking for you to have the right behaviours to care for and help people; you will need empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations - we teach you the technical 'stuff' in the classroom.
A basic level of physical fitness and flexibility is however required so that you can carry out the role safely.
Our Prisoner Custody Officers all have very different backgrounds but come together to build their own local officer community. We are so very proud of every one of our 2,000 officers and the job they do, often unseen but providing a vital public service for the benefit of the communities in which we live. Would you like to be part of that?
Here are some of our benefits:
- 25 days annual leave
- Company pension scheme
- Life insurance
- Retail discounts and benefits platform, including a company provided reloadable Spree card
- Access to free unlimited mental health support & financial wellbeing via the award-winning UNUM app
- Healthcare scheme (HSF), 24/7 GP support, personal training session & nutritionist access (twice yearly via online)
- Enhanced family friendly benefits (Maternity / Paternity)
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
- Comprehensive training programmes to enhance your skills and knowledge
- Meaningful work that contributes to the Criminal Justice System
Vetting
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, all successful applicants will be required to go through an Enhanced Disclosure application plus a Level 2 vetting check with the Ministry of Justice. The vetting process is designed to assess your suitability for a position that involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults, sensitive information, or circumstances where trust is paramount. It involves a thorough background check to examine criminal records, including both spent and unspent convictions, as well as cautions, warnings, reprimands, and any police intelligence. If you are offered the position, you will be required to provide the necessary documentation and complete the vetting application process. Failure to provide the required information or disclose relevant details will result in the withdrawal of any offer made.
Please note that the information obtained through the vetting process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the position. It will be handled in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Inclusivity
At GEOAmey, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe that diversity brings unique perspectives and enriches our teams, making them better equipped to serve our communities, tackle challenges and drive innovation. We welcome and value the contributions of every individual and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.
What are you waiting for? Join us at GEOAmey and together we will create an organisation that represents, respects, and reflects the communities and society in which we work.
Prisoner Custody Officer in Pontefract employer: GEOAmey
GEOAmey is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where every officer is valued for their unique contributions. With comprehensive training programmes, opportunities for career advancement, and a commitment to inclusivity, you will find meaningful work that not only enhances your skills but also plays a vital role in the Criminal Justice System. Located in Pontefract, you will join a dedicated community of over 2,000 officers, ensuring a rewarding experience in a role that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer in Pontefract
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research GEOAmey and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the psychometric test and competency interview by doing mock assessments and role-playing scenarios. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! Highlight your empathy, patience, and ability to remain calm under pressure during the interview. These traits are crucial for a Prisoner Custody Officer, so make sure they shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic officer community. Don’t miss out on this rewarding opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer in Pontefract
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 experiences and how they relate to the role. Authenticity goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Prisoner Custody Officer role. Highlight your skills in communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, as these are key traits we’re looking for. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Follow the Instructions:Pay close attention to the application guidelines. Ensure you provide all the required information and complete any assessments as instructed. This shows us that you can follow procedures, which is super important in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about GEOAmey!
How to prepare for a job interview at GEOAmey
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your personal attributes align with the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to be asked about how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Think of examples that showcase your empathy, patience, and ability to remain calm under pressure, as these are key traits for this role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and respectfully. Practice active listening and ensure you respond thoughtfully to questions. This will highlight your capability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the company. You might ask about the training programme or how the team supports each other in challenging situations. It’s a great way to leave a positive impression and gather valuable information.
