At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire new officers with innovative custody training in a high-pressure environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking police service committed to fairness and anti-racism.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in custody standards and enhance detainee care.
- Qualifications: Experience in custody roles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34060 - 39149 £ per year.
Division / Department - Criminal Justice
Grade - Grade G
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £34,060 - £39,149
Working Hours - 36.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Woking
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
Role & Key Responsibilities
We’re looking for a dynamic Custody Training Officer to lead, inspire, and upskill new and existing officers working in high‑pressure secure custody environments. In this crucial role, you’ll deliver innovative, practical training that equips custody staff with the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to handle every situation safely, lawfully, professionally and effectively; supporting the Force objectives under Our Plan of pursuing criminals relentlessly; investigating crime thoroughly and acting ethically with the highest standards.
Responsibilities
- Designing and delivering engaging, inclusive and supportive custody training programmes.
- Evaluating learning activities, assessing and monitoring trainee competency and behaviours, ensuring full compliance with legal frameworks (PACE, use of force, safeguarding, etc.) and providing constructive developmental feedback to allow students to progress and improve.
- Supporting continuous professional development for custody sergeants and detention officers.
- Contributing to safer detention practices and better outcomes for detainees and staff alike.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a custody environment (as a detention officer, custody sergeant, or trainer).
- Qualified police sector trainer/assessor, or ability to achieve this within 6 months of appointment.
- In‑depth knowledge of detention procedures and relevant legislation.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, interpersonal, coaching and leadership skills.
- Passion for professional standards and operational excellence.
- Strong decision‑making skills, ability to prioritise work and work within set timescales, proactive, motivated and able to work autonomously with minimal supervision or as part of a team.
- Ability to adapt training style and deliver to suit the needs of the audience and/or individuals learning needs, operational delivery and ensure understanding.
- Understanding of trauma‑informed practices.
Additional Information
Pre‑qualified policing powers will be designated to undertake the full range of duties of a police staff Detention Officer where operationally required, and to maintain professional competency in the role. Whilst the role is predominantly based at Woking, covering Monday‑Friday, there is a requirement to cover and attend training events, meetings or provide custody cover across the Force area, with occasional evening and weekend working cover with notice. A full valid driving licence and access to a personal vehicle are therefore essential to help you travel about the county for which mileage claims will be reimbursed.
Benefits
- The chance to genuinely make a difference in custody standards across the board.
- Supportive and professional working environment.
- Flexible working arrangements where possible.
- Pension, staff benefits and access to wellbeing networks and support.
- Future opportunities for skills development such as conflict/first aid training in accordance with Force/Department needs.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Discounts for everyday spend.
- On‑site gyms and a range of sports clubs.
- Generous and supportive parental leave.
- Financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support.
- Discounted contributory healthcare scheme.
Skills
- Hold, or willingness to complete, College of Policing Trainer Essential Programme (TEP) qualification.
- GCSE C and above in Maths / Level 2 equivalent or higher‑level qualification/equivalent.
- GCSE C and above in English / Level 2 equivalent or higher‑level qualification/equivalent.
- A full and valid driving licence and access to a vehicle so you can drive to any of the three custody suites in the county if needed.
- Hold or achieve Surrey Police Basic Driver authorisation.
- A Police Sector Assessor Standard qualification or ability to achieve.
EEO Statement
We are committed to being an anti‑racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and uphold anti‑racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. Our anti‑racism statement can be found here.
Join us in making custody safer, training smarter and shaping the future of Force custody operations. Apply now and help raise the bar in detainee care and custody professionalism through inclusive, high‑quality training.
Policing Support Officer - Custody Training Officer in Woking employer: Sussex Police
As a Policing Support Officer - Custody Training Officer in Woking, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing custody standards and making a real difference in the community. Our supportive work culture prioritises professional development, offering flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and access to wellbeing resources, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to lead innovative training initiatives that empower officers and contribute to safer detention practices in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policing Support Officer - Custody Training Officer in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Custody Training Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips and might even know about job openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to custody training. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios and be ready to showcase your knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for professional standards! During interviews, share examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in custody standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Policing Support Officer - Custody Training Officer in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in custody environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Custody Training Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves training and leading others, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Use clear examples in your application that reflect your ability to engage and inspire others.
Highlight Your Passion for Professional Standards:We’re looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about operational excellence and professional standards. Make sure to convey your commitment to these values in your written application, as they are key to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of detention procedures and relevant legislation like PACE. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in designing and delivering training programmes. Think of specific examples where you've successfully upskilled others, and be ready to explain your approach to adapting training styles to meet different needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Custody Training Officer, you'll need strong leadership skills. Be prepared to share instances where you've led a team or project, highlighting how you inspired and motivated others, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Development
Discuss your commitment to continuous professional development, both for yourself and others. Mention any relevant training you've undertaken recently and how you plan to keep improving your skills and knowledge in the field.