Prison Custody Officer in Ashford

HMP Bronzefield | Sodexo Justice Services

Salary: Base salary 35,574.59 + LW 3729.24 per annum

• PCO (1–2 years’ service): £36,365.01 + £3,729.24 London Weighting
• PCO (2–4 years’ service): £37,073.41 + £3,729.24 London Weighting

Location: Ashford, TW15 3JZ

Must be 18 years old to apply. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Join Our Growing Team and Make a Lasting Difference

Due to ongoing growth and increased investment in our services, we’re expanding our Prison Custody Officer team at HMP Bronzefield. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and professional team where your work will have a real impact every single day.

As a Prison Custody Officer (PCO), you’ll do far more than maintain security. You’ll help create a safe, respectful environment while supporting prisoners to make positive changes, develop new skills and prepare for life beyond custody. Your role will directly contribute to rehabilitation, helping to reduce reoffending and build safer communities.

About HMP Bronzefield

HMP Bronzefield is a busy, dynamic prison operated by Sodexo Justice Services, committed to providing a safe, secure and decent environment for prisoners, staff and visitors. We believe rehabilitation starts with positive relationships, respect and opportunity, and our Prison Custody Officers are at the heart of making this happen.

Your Role as a Prison Custody Officer

As a Prison Custody Officer, you’ll play a vital role in the daily operation of the prison by:

• Maintaining the safety, security and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors.
• Supervising prisoner movements and ensuring all prisoners are accounted for throughout the day.
• Building professional, respectful relationships as a trusted Key Worker.
• Supporting prisoners to engage with education, employment, training and rehabilitation programmes.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping individuals work towards their personal progression goals.
• Responding professionally and confidently to incidents using approved techniques where required.
• Completing accurate reports and maintaining prison records.
• Escorting prisoners within the establishment and externally when necessary.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

What We’re Looking For

Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. What they have in common is a desire to help others, work as part of a team and make a positive difference. To thrive in this role, you’ll need to demonstrate:

• 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.

A Career That Makes a Difference

Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities. You’ll work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, trauma and complex personal circumstances. Through comprehensive training and ongoing support, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to manage these situations safely while helping people move towards a more positive future.

Military Experience? We’d Love to Hear From You

At Sodexo, we’re proud to support the Armed Forces community and actively welcome applications from veterans, reservists and service leavers. Many of the skills developed through military service, such as leadership, resilience, teamwork, professionalism, communication and sound decision-making, are highly transferable to the Prison Custody Officer role.

If you’re looking for a career where you can continue making a positive difference, protecting others and serving your community, we’ll provide all the training and support you need to succeed.

At HMP Bronzefield colleagues support one another, share knowledge and work together to create a safer environment for staff, visitors and prisoners. We’re looking for people who understand that strong relationships, trust and collaboration are essential to success. You’ll never be expected to face challenges alone. You’ll be part of a team that looks out for one another and works together towards a shared purpose.

Training and Development

You don’t need prior experience to apply. You’ll receive a comprehensive 9-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.

Recruitment Process

As part of the recruitment process, you’ll be invited to attend one of our assessment centres, designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and behaviours needed to become a Prison Custody Officer, while also giving you a better understanding of what it’s like to work at HMP Bronzefield. The assessment centre consists of four stages:

• Written English and Maths Assessments – Assessing the communication and numerical skills required for the role.
• Group Activity – Giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your communication, teamwork and collaboration while working with others.
• Scenario-Based Activity – Demonstrating your judgement, decision-making and ability to handle challenging situations through realistic prison-based scenarios.
• Competency-Based Interview – An opportunity to discuss your experience, strengths and motivation for joining Sodexo, while demonstrating the skills and behaviours required to become a Prison Custody Officer.

Throughout the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet members of the team, ask questions and gain a real insight into life as a Prison Custody Officer. Our assessment centres are designed to be supportive, engaging and give every candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their potential.

We believe great prisons are built by great people. That’s why we’re constantly investing in creating a culture where colleagues feel valued, empowered and connected. We want every colleague to have the opportunity to develop, contribute and make a meaningful impact every day.

Join our expanding team at HMP Bronzefield and be part of something that makes a real difference—every single day.