Operational Support Officer (OSO)
Job Introduction
HMP Bronzefield are recruiting for Operational Support Officers (OSO).
Sodexo Justice Services delivers custodial and community rehabilitation services that challenge offending behaviour, protect the public and offer individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better.
HMP/YOI Bronzefield is a closed local prison serving courts across the South of England. Our mission is to deliver quality of life services which make a meaningful difference to women in the criminal justice system by supporting them to change their lives for the better. To achieve this we focus on providing needs-based services and programmes to rehabilitate and improve the well-being of our women.
We house up to 572 women (approximately 14.5% of the national female prison population). The women in our custody have a diverse and complex set of needs and range from mothers and babies, young offenders, life and long term sentenced women, short to mid-term sentenced women, foreign nationals and women on remand.
We have been awarded a bronze accreditation by Investors in People for our commitment to our staff, their development, engagement and investment in a sustainable future.
Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers
Role Responsibility
- Provide a first point of contact to the general public and official visitors in a polite and professional manner
- Ensure a thorough handover to incoming staff, making them fully aware of recent events and of any forthcoming events.
- Operate the pedestrian and vehicle access control panel
- Undertake Gate, Visits, Escorting and Communication Room duties, as assigned
- Perform searches of all vehicles and visitors in line with security procedures
- Ensure that staff escorting Prisoners to the Gate for release, have the appropriately signed Gate Passes
Ensure the Log Book is up to date at all times and advise the Communications Room Officer of changes, including proposed movement through the Gate
- Ensure the Log Book roll is correct and update the Control Room after every movement.
- Ensure all logs, gate passes and route orders are filled on a daily basis.
- Maintain surveillance and security through the use of CCTV equipment by being alert and exercising vigilance at all times
- Monitor alarm systems and respond to them as appropriate
- Issue radios and keys to authorised personnel and control the UHF Radio
- Operate an out of hours telephone switchboard service
- Report any problems or concerns, potential breaches of security or Health and Safety hazards to the Duty Manager immediately
- Patrol the perimeter of the building and report any problems or concerns
- Undertake duties within the Visitors Centre
- Process visitors through the visits search area including searching and use of x ray machines
- Undertake escort duties of any visitors or contractors entering the prison when required
- Ensure that all keys are returned to the key safe and that the key safe remains closed during quiet periods
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
- Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills – written and verbal
- The ability to work within a large team
- Demonstrate ability to prioritise and manage workload
- Highly motivated and willing to learn
- Knowledge or experience of customer experience service delivery
- Flexible in approach
- Ability and proven experience of working in a structured environment
- To be committed to personal development and ability to engage in learning and development as required in order to keep up to date with all mandatory and refresher training
Desirable
- Previous experience in a similar environment
- Customer service background
- Awareness of issues effecting women in custody
Package Description
Salary of 26692.87 per annum (basic salary 22963.63 + £3729.24 London Weighting annually)
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
- Flexible and dynamic work environment
- Competitive compensation
- Access to ongoing training and development programs
- Countless opportunities to grow within the company
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied
- Health and wellbeing incentives
- Reward and Recognition schemes
- Flexible working considered
- Volunteering days
- Cycle to work scheme
- Life Assurance
- Free meals and parking on site
We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
All offers are subject to full security clearance checks
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Please note: initial communication will be via email, please monitor your junk and spam folders to ensure you are aware of next stage requirements.
About the Company
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
Please note all roles within Sodexo Justice are subject to security and recruitment checks which may include a Social Media Check. You will also be asked to provide 5 years’ worth of references and request employment history details from the HMRC.

