Prison Custody Officer - HMP; Insert prison name

Please note:

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route in line with current UK immigration rules. 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.

• Maintain a secure and disciplined prison environment
• Supervise daily routines, prisoner movements and scheduled activities
• Escort prisoners securely within and outside the facility
• Respond calmly and professionally to challenging or high‑pressure situations
• Support rehabilitation initiatives and encourage positive behaviours
• Build respectful professional relationships with prisoners to promote a safer, more supportive atmosphere

You don't need prior experience 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

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. Please check your junk or spam folder if the email does not appear in your inbox.

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:

There's no such thing as a 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 matters. Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment. 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.

• 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

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time your employment begins
• 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
• Tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, but must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating
• Facial tattoos are generally not allowed, except where they are for cultural, religious or medical reasons

• Starting salary £31,752.24 Per Annum
  , with annual increases over the 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
• BUPA healthcare
• Pension schemes and much more!

Please see the benefits guide attached which outlines all of Sodexo's excellent benefits!

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.