Prison Custody Officer (PCO)

Job Introduction

Sodexo are responsible for 5 prison sites across the UK and Scotland, we regularly run campaigns recruiting dedicated Prison Custody Officers to joining our growing teams. These roles will be based at our HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 3JZ. 

Great Prison Custody Officers (PCO’s) are the backbone to our business and play an important part in the smooth operation of our prisons. Every PCO will play a key part in our prisoner’s lives be it on their rehabilitation journey or providing an ear to listen to them and offer support during their time in prison, as well as creating a positive and safe environment. 

Background and experience are not important, it’s the kind of person you are that matters.  We can teach you the rest

• Are you a dedicated person who is looking for a rewarding career?
• Are you reliable and quick to notice things?
• Do you treat people fairly and with respect?
• If you experience a challenging situation, are you able to move forward and start again fresh?
•  Are you able to work well as part of a team?

These are all things that we look for and make the difference between a good and great PCO.

Sodexo’s Custody and Detention Officer Professional Programme is incredibly important, and we are committed to ensuring that all appropriate job roles and vacancies are considered as an apprenticeship. Our programme gives our people real opportunities to thrive in roles that provide service excellence and contribute to the local community and economy. As experienced prison operators we know it takes 12-15 months for new recruits to gain the skills and experiences required to become effective Prison Custody Officers and this is supported through the completion of the Level 3 Custody and Detention Officer Professional Programme that all new officers will undertake and achieve.

Recruitment process:

• Assessment Centre: 
  • The assessment Centre will be 1 full day and will assess candidates against a number of different role criteria. Full details will be sent once selected.
• Start Date and training course: 
  • You will be required to complete a mandatory 10-week training course. No annual leave can be taken during this period.
  • The training will be Monday to Friday. Including 1 weekend and 1 night shift.
  • Start dates will be confirmed at the assessment centre
• Please note this role is subject to security and recruitment checks which may include a Social Media Check. You will also be asked to provide 3 years’ worth of references and request employment history details from the HMRC.

The above dates are subject to change.

Please note: initial communication will be via email, please monitor your junk and spam folders to ensure you are aware of next stage requirements.

If you have been interviewed for this role within the last 12 months, your application will not be considered.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers and Careers in Justice

Role Responsibility

HMP/YOI Bronzefield is a female prison and as such there are specific duties that can only be conducted by a female officer, such as searching, escorting and personal care of prisoners.  Your role will involve everything from managing the regular prison routines, (locking and unlocking, supervising meals and recreation time to escorting prisoners to prison work and education) to one to one support work with your allocated prisoners.  One to one work will involve helping prisoners to settle into a new environment and feel safe and calm, working with them to identify and resolve issues and concerns, as well as supporting them through their sentence to engage in development and rehabilitation activity.

You’ll need to deal with the more challenging aspects of prison life such as abusive and violent behaviour – full training is given prior to starting to support with these situations.  A willingness to understand trauma and its impact on behaviour is also important.  You’ll be working with all sorts of prisoners including those on long sentences, those convicted of serious crime and vulnerable individuals.  You will be liaising with all departments to help support our culture of decency and rehabilitation. 

The Ideal Candidate

Why become a PCO?

There are many reasons this role could be the role for you, no two days are the same, the role is varied and offers a range of duties. Watching someone leave the facilities, equipped and ready to thrive and enjoy life again is rewarding and to know you have played a key part in their journey is special, even small improvements to someone’s life makes a difference.

The role offers a secure, regular and stable role with consistent hours. We operate a shift pattern which allows regular downtime and flexibility to enjoy with your family and friends.

What we need from you

Our great PCOs come to us with all kinds of work and life experience. Some have worked in retail, healthcare, call centers and as taxi drivers. Others are ex-military, police and security services personnel. The work you’ve done before doesn't matter. What matters is that you’re ‘made of the right stuff’ – the rest you will learn during our intensive 9 week training course and then in the job with the support of experienced colleagues.

As part of this role you will need to have a good level of English and Math’s, report writing is part and parcel of the role.

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.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.

Package Description

Starting total pay is £32,802.93, rising to £33,469.94 after 1 year – this is made up of base pay, London Weighting and a Market Forces Allowance.  Part of your first year with us, you will undertake a professional qualification.

Sodexo offers the best range of employee benefits on the market. From discounts that reduce the cost of the weekly shop, to exclusive deals on holidays and keeping active. Our award-winning employee benefits platform offers everything YOU need to make life that little bit better every day.

• Health and wellbeing incentives
• Training and development opportunities
• 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.

Post holders will be subjected to an advanced DBS check, a prison security check (level 2) prior to being employed.

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs around 30,000 people, and partners with clients in many sectors across business and industry; schools and universities; sports and leisure; energy and resources; government and agencies; healthcare; justice and defence.

Sodexo’s connected; people-centric approach brings together a diverse range of expertise. The breadth of services it offers ranges from food and hospitality; cleaning; reception; concierge (Circles); security; property management and technical services through to data driven workplace strategy and design (Wx); employee engagement and recognition services (Sodexo Engage) and personal home services through Prestige Nursing + Care and the Good Care Group.

Sodexo is committed to being an inclusive employer; we welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

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.