Job Introduction

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

SECURE THE PRESENT, SHAPE THE FUTURE - Transform Lives as 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 Altcourse

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.

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities will include:

Maintaining a secure and disciplined prison environmentSupervising daily routines, prisoner movements, and scheduled activitiesEscorting prisoners securely within and outside the facilityResponding calmly and professionally to challenging or high-pressure situationsSupporting rehabilitation initiatives and encouraging positive behavioursBuilding respectful, professional relationships with prisoners to promote a safer, more supportive atmosphere

Who We're Looking For

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.

The Behaviours That Make a Great Officer

To thrive in this role, you’ll need to demonstrate:

Calm Under Pressure – Manage high-stress or unpredictable situations with a level headEmpathy & Respect – Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstancesStrong Ethics – Maintain fairness, professionalism, and integrity at all timesResilience & Adaptability – Stay composed and effective, even when the job gets toughEffective Communication – Listen actively and speak clearly and confidentlyConflict Resolution – Use de-escalation techniques to manage tension and disputesTeamwork – Collaborate closely with colleagues for the safety and success of allVigilance – 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 learningConflict resolution and communication trainingShadowing experienced officersContinued development and support throughout your career

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a position as a Prison Officer, you must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age at the time your employment beginsBe capable of undertaking the physically activities of a prison officers daily responsibilitiesMeet the required eyesight standards in both eyes, with or without corrective lensesHave 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 membershipOpportunity to earn overtime (subject to availability)Comprehensive paid training and progression opportunitiesLife assurance BUPA healthcare Pension schemes and much more!

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

Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.

Interested in seeing what it’s like to work in one of our prisons? Click the link to learn more- Working in our prisons

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.

Attached documents UK Rewards and Benefits Guide.pdf PCO JD Altcourse.pdf Apply