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- Tasks: Secure and support rehabilitation in a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join a diverse team at HMP Addiewell, committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £31,571.95, free meals, gym access, and career progression.
- Why this job: Transform lives and contribute to community safety while growing personally and professionally.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your empathy and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided, with opportunities for overtime and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 31571 - 35700 £ per year.
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 Addiewell. As a Prison Custody Officer, you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining safety, security, and order within our prison facilities. This is more than just a job – it’s a meaningful opportunity to support rehabilitation, ensure justice, and contribute to the wider community.
What You’ll Do
- Maintaining a secure and disciplined prison environment
- Supervising daily routines, prisoner movements, and scheduled activities
- Escorting prisoners securely within and outside the facility
- Responding calmly and professionally to challenging or high-pressure situations
- Supporting rehabilitation initiatives and encouraging positive behaviours
- Building respectful, professional relationships with prisoners to promote a safer, more supportive atmosphere
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. Whatever your background, 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. No matter the challenge, you’ll be expected to build constructive, positive, and professional relationships based on fairness, consistency, and respect.
Teamwork Matters
Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment. 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.
The Behaviours That Make a Great Officer
- Calm Under Pressure – Manage high-stress or unpredictable situations with a level head
- Empathy & Respect – Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances
- Strong 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 a comprehensive 8-week training programme, delivered locally, to fully prepare you for the role. This includes:
- Classroom and practical learning
- Conflict resolution and communication training
- Shadowing experienced officers
- Continued development and support throughout your career
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a position as a Prison Officer, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time your 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 those that are visible, 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
A Role That Offers More
This role provides opportunities for personal growth, career progression, and the satisfaction of knowing your work truly matters. You’ll witness change first-hand and play a key part in supporting rehabilitation and community safety.
What We Offer:
- Starting salary £31,571.95 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
- BUPA healthcare
- Pension schemes and much more!
Please see the benefits guide attached which outlines all of Sodexo's excellent benefits! Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.
Application
To move forward with your application, we’ll need to complete a pre-screening process within a few days of your submission. You’ll receive an email with instructions on how to do this - please be sure to check your junk or spam folder in case it lands there. You will then be invited to participate in a Fitness Test and an Assessment centre. The Next Fitness test takes place on the 15th of January. The Next Assessment centre takes place on the 17th of January. All offers are subject to full security clearance checks. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
For further guidance on visa eligibility and sponsorship criteria, please refer to the official UK Government website: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
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 Addiewell in Morpeth employer: Sodexo Group
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell in Morpeth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a Prison Custody Officer really involves. Understanding the responsibilities and challenges will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about building relationships, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident when discussing how you’d handle various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your empathy and resilience! Think of examples from your life where you've had to stay calm under pressure or support someone in need. These stories will resonate well with interviewers looking for the right mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on your emails for any updates or instructions – you don’t want to miss out on the next steps!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell in Morpeth
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’ve shaped you into the person you are today.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Prison Custody Officer. Highlight your communication skills, empathy, and any relevant experiences that show you can handle high-pressure situations with calmness and professionalism.
Show Your Team Spirit: Teamwork is key in this role, so be sure to mention any experiences where you've worked closely with others. We love to see how you can contribute to a supportive and safe environment for everyone involved.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you’re serious about the role and pays attention to detail. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prison Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects like maintaining security, supervising routines, and supporting rehabilitation initiatives. This knowledge 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. During the interview, highlight your strong communication skills, empathy, and ability to build respectful relationships. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging situations or supported others.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
The role requires resilience and the ability to stay composed in high-stress situations. Prepare for situational questions that assess how you would handle conflicts or emergencies. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and your approach to de-escalating tense situations.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Teamwork is crucial in a prison environment. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others and support your colleagues. Share instances where you've worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal, and express your commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere for everyone.
