At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rehabilitation and maintain a safe environment for prisoners and staff.
- Company: Join HMP Millsike, a modern prison focused on positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, health support, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and contribute to community safety.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring empathy and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37818 - 37818 £ per year.
- Prison Custody Officer – HMP Millsike
- Location: HMP Millsike, YO41 1FZ Salary: £37,818.90 plus benefits
Hours: Full time – average 42 hours per week across a range of shifts, including nights and weekends.
We aim to provide fair, predictable shift patterns to help support a healthy work-life balance.
Make a Real Difference Every Day
Are you looking for a career with purpose, challenge, and the opportunity to change lives?
HMP Millsike is seeking compassionate, resilient, and motivated individuals to join our team as Prison Custody Officers (PCOs).
This is far more than a security role, it's an opportunity to positively influence people, support rehabilitation, and help create a safer community for everyone.
As part of a brand-new prison with a modern, progressive approach, you'll play a key role in creating a safe, respectful, and rehabilitative environment where people are supported to make meaningful changes to their lives.
No previous prison experience is required, just the right values, attitude, and commitment.
Why Join HMP Millsike?
HMP Millsike has been designed around rehabilitation, wellbeing, and reducing reoffending through evidence-based practice.
We are building a diverse team of people who bring empathy, professionalism, and strong communication skills to the role.
Whether you've worked in customer service, the Armed Forces, healthcare, education, retail, social care, hospitality, or are looking for a completely new career path, your life experience could make you an excellent Prison Custody Officer.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Help maintain a safe and secure environment for prisoners, staff, and visitors
- Build positive, professional relationships with prisoners to support rehabilitation and behavioural change
- Support individuals through challenging situations using a calm and respectful approach
- Work closely with healthcare teams, probation services, and other professionals
- Promote safer custody and help reduce violence within the prison
- Supervise daily activities, routines, and work placements
- Encourage prisoners to develop skills, responsibility, and resilience ahead of release
- Respond confidently and professionally in dynamic situations
- What We’re Looking For
- Excellent communicators with strong interpersonal skills
- Calm, confident, and able to remain professional under pressure
- Empathetic and respectful while maintaining clear professional boundaries
- Passionate about fairness, inclusion, and rehabilitation
- Reliable team players with strong personal integrity
- Physically and mentally resilient in a dynamic working environment
- What You’ll Receive
- Competitive salary of £37,818.90
- Comprehensive paid training programme
- Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Health and wellbeing support services
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Overtime opportunities
- Free onsite parking, including EV charging points
- Free access to onsite gym facilities
- Free meal during shifts from our subsidised staff canteen
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Discount Card
- Full Training Provided – No Experience Needed
If successful, you'll complete our fully funded 9-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at HMP Millsike, designed to give you the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in the role.
The programme includes
7 Weeks Classroom-Based Learning
Covering key areas such as
- First Aid at Work
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Restorative Practice
- Conflict Management
- Control & Restraint Training
- 2 Weeks Practical Shadowing
Gain real experience alongside experienced Prison Custody Officers and develop an understanding of daily prison operations.
Please note: 100% attendance is required throughout the training programme.
Essential Requirements
- Be eligible to work in the UK. Please note that this role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current immigration rules.
- Have a good standard of Maths and English (assessed during recruitment).
- Have a moderate level of physical fitness (assessed during recruitment).
- Meet the required eyesight and hearing standards for the role.
• Be able to pass HMPPS security clearance checks, including
- 10-year employment/activity history
- Financial checks
- Social media screening
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Travel Information
HMP Millsike is located in a rural area with limited public transport links.
Due to fixed shift times aligned to prison operational requirements, access to your own transport is highly beneficial.
Start a Career That Matters
Every day as a Prison Custody Officer is an opportunity to protect the public, support rehabilitation, and help people make positive changes.
If you're ready for a rewarding career where you can genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
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Prison Custody Officer in Harrogate employer: Mitie
Mitie is an excellent employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering a supportive work culture in Belfast. With benefits such as a branded vehicle and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to high service delivery standards across multiple sites. The company fosters growth opportunities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the facilities maintenance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Custody Officer in Harrogate
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Mitie, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Mitie and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Mitie and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Mitie, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Mitie.
