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- Tasks: Ensure safety and order while supporting rehabilitation in a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join Sodexo Justice Services, committed to diversity and transforming lives through meaningful work.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and comprehensive training with career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals on their journey to rehabilitation and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, resilient, empathetic, and possess strong communication skills; no specific experience required.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; applications from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 32772 - 36772 £ per year.
Job Introduction
SECURE THE PRESENT, SHAPE THE FUTURE – Transform Livesas 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 Bronzefield.
As a Prison Custody Officer, you\’ll stand at the forefront of ensuring safety and order within our facilities.This isn\’t merely a job; it\’s an opportunity to become an integral part of a team devoted to rehabilitation, security, and community welfare.
Our comprehensive 8-week training program, carried out locally, will swiftly bring you up to speed and furnish you with the necessary tools to excel in your role.From shadowing seasoned colleagues to mastering conflict resolution techniques, you\’ll be fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
To be a successful Prison Custody Officer, the behaviours and qualities you bring are what matter most.
The Role and Required Behaviours
Working as a Prison Custody Officer demands resilience, patience, and a strong sense of duty. It\’s not a role for the faint-hearted.You\’ll encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are facing significant challenges and grappling with the consequences of their actions. Your days will be filled with moments of tension, unpredictability, and occasional conflict.
You will need to embody the following behaviours to thrive in this role:
- Calm Under Pressure: Manage stressful or volatile situations with a clear head and composed demeanour.
- Empathy and Respect: Treat everyone with dignity, understanding that respect is essential to building rapport and maintaining authority.
- Strong Ethical Standards: Uphold fairness and integrity in all interactions, ensuring trust and accountability.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Stay focused and effective even in challenging or rapidly changing circumstances.
- Effective Communication: Clearly and confidently convey information, listen actively, and handle difficult conversations tactfully.
- Conflict Resolution Skills: Address disputes constructively, using de-escalation techniques where necessary.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with colleagues to ensure safety and operational efficiency, contributing to a supportive work environment.
- Vigilance: Maintain high levels of observation and awareness to pre-empt risks and respond swiftly when needed.
Through daily interactions, you\’ll establish rapport with prisoners and witness their progression. This role also rewards personal growth, teamwork, and career advancement opportunities.
As a Prison Custody Officer, your daily responsibilities will include:
- Maintaining safety, security and discipline within the prison environment.
- Supervising daily routines, activities and prisoner movements.
- Building professional relationships to foster a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
- Escorting prisoners securely within and outside the facility when required.
- Responding to challenging situations with calmness, professionalism, and resilience.
- Supporting rehabilitation programs and encouraging positive behaviours.
What We Offer:
- Starting salary of £32,772.63 per annum + LW £3,729.24 per annum + MFA £1,655.04 per annum 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
- Pension schemes and much more!
Please see the benefits guide attached which outlines all of Sodexo\’s excellent benefits!
Whether your background is in the Armed Forces, Social Care, Support Work, Teaching, Retail, or another field, if you’re looking for a career with transformative potential, consider exploring opportunities with Sodexo Justice Services.
Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.
Please see the attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements.
Application
To progress your application, we will need to complete a pre-screening call within a few days of your submission.
You will then be invited to participate in an assessment centre.
All offers are subject to full security clearance checks.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
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.
We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer.We’re 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.
Salary Base salary 32,772.63 per annum + LW £3,729.24 per annum + MFA £1,655.04 per annum
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/2323401/144025
Contract Type Permanent
Closing Date 12 July, 2025
Job Category Prison Service
Business Unit UK Government – Justice
Location HMP Bronzefield Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, TW15 3JZ, United Kingdom
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Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Bronzefield 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 Bronzefield
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by prisoners and the importance of rehabilitation. Understanding these aspects will help you demonstrate empathy and respect during interviews, showcasing your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your conflict resolution skills in everyday situations. Being able to articulate how you've successfully managed conflicts in the past will be a strong asset during your assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage in activities that enhance your resilience and adaptability, such as team sports or volunteering in challenging environments. This experience can provide you with real-life examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Prison Custody Officers if possible. They can offer valuable insights into the role and may even provide tips on what the interviewers are looking for, giving you an edge in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Bronzefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Prison Custody Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required behaviours, such as resilience, empathy, and effective communication.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work in challenging environments, teamwork, or roles that required strong ethical standards and conflict resolution skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your understanding of the challenges faced by Prison Custody Officers. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you embody the qualities they are looking for.
Prepare for the Assessment Centre: Once your application is submitted, prepare for the assessment centre by practising common interview questions and scenarios related to conflict resolution and teamwork. Be ready to showcase your calmness under pressure and effective communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Show Your Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to handle stressful or volatile situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
Emphasise your understanding of the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Discuss how you build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds, showcasing your ability to connect on a personal level.
✨Highlight Conflict Resolution Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in resolving conflicts. Provide examples of how you've used de-escalation techniques in previous roles, demonstrating your capability to manage difficult conversations tactfully.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be sure to listen actively during the interview, as this will reflect your ability to engage with others in a professional setting.
