Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell
Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell

Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell

West Calder Full-Time 25000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Sodexo Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Become a Prison Custody Officer and help transform lives while ensuring safety.
  • Company: Join HMP Addiewell, a forward-thinking employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £31,571.95, free meals, gym access, and comprehensive training.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting rehabilitation and personal growth.
  • Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your resilience, empathy, and commitment to making a difference.
  • Other info: Apply now for training starting on 18th August 2025; fitness tests and assessment centres scheduled.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.

Make a Difference as a Prison Custody Officer at HMP Addiewell. Looking for a career that’s challenging, rewarding, and truly meaningful? Join HMP Addiewell as a Prison Custody Officer, where you’ll play a vital role in maintaining safety, supporting rehabilitation, and making a real impact on people’s lives.

You don’t need experience-just the right attitude, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. We’ll provide the training, development, and support to help you succeed.

What’s in It for You?

  • Starting salary of £31,571.95, increasing annually for four years.
  • 8 weeks fully paid, comprehensive training - you’ll be set up for success from day one.
  • Free meals, parking, and on-site gym access to support your well-being.
  • Opportunities for overtime and clear career progression.
  • Life assurance, BUPA healthcare, and pension schemes for your security.

Training starts on the 18th of August 2025 - apply now to secure your place!

What Does a Prison Custody Officer Do?

  • Maintain order and safety in the prison environment.
  • Supervise daily routines and prisoner movements.
  • Build professional relationships to foster a positive atmosphere and rehabilitation.
  • Manage challenging situations with confidence and professionalism.
  • Support prisoner rehabilitation to help them make positive changes.

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome people from all backgrounds - whether you’ve worked in customer service, social care, the military, teaching, or any other field, you could have what it takes. What matters most is your mindset and approach:

  • Stay Calm Under Pressure - Handle challenging situations with confidence.
  • Show Empathy & Respect - Build rapport whilst maintaining authority.
  • Be Resilient & Adaptable - No two days are the same, so flexibility is key.
  • Communicate Effectively - Have difficult conversations with clarity and confidence.
  • Act with Integrity - Be fair, professional, and a role model for others.
  • Work as a Team - Support your colleagues and create a safe environment.

If you’re motivated, compassionate, and ready for a new challenge, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply

  • Submit your application online - it only takes a few minutes.
  • Pre-screening call - we’ll be in touch within a few days.

To apply, you must:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Be eligible to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available).

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. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Disability Confident Leader Employer: We are 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.

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

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the role of a Prison Custody Officer by researching online resources and speaking to current or former officers. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges will help you articulate your motivation and suitability during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the fitness tests by creating a training plan that focuses on both strength and endurance. Being physically fit is crucial for this role, so consider joining a local gym or participating in group fitness classes to stay motivated.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills by engaging in role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you become more comfortable with having difficult conversations and managing challenging situations, which are key aspects of the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your resilience and adaptability by sharing personal experiences where you've successfully navigated tough situations. This will demonstrate to the interviewers that you possess the right mindset for the role and can handle the dynamic environment of a prison.

We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell

Resilience
Empathy
Effective Communication
Conflict Management
Teamwork
Adaptability
Integrity
Problem-Solving
Situational Awareness
Leadership Skills
Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure
Professionalism
Relationship Building
Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand what a Prison Custody Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills required, such as maintaining safety, supporting rehabilitation, and managing challenging situations.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise qualities like resilience, empathy, and effective communication, which are crucial for this role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying. Discuss why you want to work at HMP Addiewell and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the position.

Prepare for the Pre-Screening Call: Once you submit your application, be ready for a pre-screening call. Think about potential questions they might ask regarding your experience and mindset, and prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your suitability for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group

✨Demonstrate Your Resilience

As a Prison Custody Officer, you'll face challenging situations. Be prepared to share examples from your past where you've successfully managed stress or adversity, showcasing your resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.

✨Show Empathy and Respect

Building rapport with prisoners is crucial. During the interview, highlight your experiences in roles that required empathy and respect, whether in customer service, social care, or any other field. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare for potential scenarios where you might need to have difficult conversations, and think about how you would approach them with clarity and professionalism.

✨Emphasise Teamwork

The role requires collaboration with colleagues to maintain safety and support rehabilitation. Be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, highlighting how you contribute to a positive team environment and support your peers.

Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell
Sodexo Group
Location: West Calder
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