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- Tasks: Ensure safety and order in prison, support rehabilitation, and build positive relationships with prisoners.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive workplace focused on equal opportunities and personal growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £29,93.28, free meals, gym access, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just be 18+, resilient, and a great communicator.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided, with ongoing support throughout your career.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
- 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 is no 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
Teamwork matters. 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 in the role of a prison officer 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
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time your employment begins
- Be capable of undertaking the physically activities of a prison officers daily responsibilities
- 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
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 £29,93.28 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!
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 an assessment centre.
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.
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Prison Custody Officer employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Prison Custody Officer. Understanding the daily routines, security protocols, and rehabilitation initiatives will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to remain calm under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations, as this is a crucial skill for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your communication skills. Practice active listening and clear speaking, as these are essential for building relationships with both colleagues and prisoners. Consider role-playing scenarios to enhance your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your commitment to teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, as this will show that you understand the importance of working together to maintain safety and order.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Prison Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous roles where you demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, or conflict resolution abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting rehabilitation and community safety. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you embody the qualities they are looking for in a candidate.
Prepare for the Pre-Screening Process: Once you submit your application, be ready for the pre-screening process. Check your email regularly for instructions and ensure you follow them promptly. This step is crucial for moving forward in the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Show Your Calmness Under Pressure
As a Prison Custody Officer, you'll face high-stress situations. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past where you managed pressure effectively, demonstrating your ability to stay calm and composed.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Respect
Highlight your ability to treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. Share experiences that showcase your empathy and how you've built respectful relationships in challenging environments.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice active listening and clear speaking. Be ready to explain how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, especially in conflict resolution scenarios.
✨Illustrate Teamwork and Collaboration
Teamwork is essential in maintaining safety. Prepare to discuss how you've worked as part of a team in the past, focusing on your commitment to supporting colleagues and achieving common goals.
