Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Altcourse

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day 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.

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 for that you’ll receive an excellent benefits package including access to gym facilities on site and a Blue Light card.

Sodexo are responsible for 6 prison sites across the UK and Scotland and HMP Altcourse is our newest prison that we have just added to our portfolio! The prison is currently operated by G4S, and Sodexo will be taking over the contract from June 2023.

Sodexo’s vision for HMP Altcourse is to develop a safe, stable, and progressive environment with modern facilities dedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. Every aspect of the prison is designed to help prisoners make meaningful progress in their sentence and personal development goals within a surrounding culture of rehabilitation.

Great Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) are the backbone of our business and play an important part in the smooth operation of our prisons. Every PCO will play a key part in prisoners’ lives, offering them support and encouraging them to change their lives for the better. Does this sound like something you’d like to be part of?

Key attributes we look for aren’t all about qualifications and employment history but more about who you are and the values you live by.

• 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 rise to it?

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

An environment like no other

Working in a prison is unlike any other career. Your focus will be on escorting prisoners to their education classes, the gym or their day job. Keeping a watchful eye and an open mind on everything that is going on. The prison environment is their home, so you’ll be able to balance authority with natural empathy and respect.

An incredible training programme

Getting you up to speed and equipping you with the tools to do your job happens over an eight-week training programme. This is where you’ll develop the necessary skills to work independently as a Prison Custody Officer. And from shadowing more experienced colleagues, to understanding how to deal with conflict, you’ll be ready and prepared for every day going forward.

An opportunity too good to miss

Whatever your background, you could have an amazing future with us. If you can answer yes to the following questions, your career with us could be moments away:

• 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 rise to it?

If you have the ambition to build a successful career and the people skills to build successful relationships, apply now for a career that’s too good to miss.

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 and can 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 from candidates from under-represented backgrounds.

Recruitment process:

• Full completion of application form on Sodexo careers website
• Assessment Centre - this will be a half-day session and will assess candidates against a number of different role criteria; it will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions and get a clear understanding of the position. Full details will be sent to you prior to attending.
• You will be required to complete a mandatory 9-week training course. No annual leave can be taken during this period.

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

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

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.

Starting salary £26,144,55 (pro rata)

It’s what’s inside that counts

Speak to any of our Prison Custody Officers and they’ll tell you the same thing. The most important thing you can bring to the role isn’t previous experience in this environment. It’s having the people skills to engage with, and manage, the people you look after.

It’s about helping inmates leave with a better view of their future. Your role plays an important part in this. And through your day-to-day interactions, you’ll get to know your inmates and see their progress.

And it’s about your appetite for learning and your ambition to build a career. So, whether you are from the Forces, Social Care or Support Work, Teaching or Retail, if you want a change in life that could change your future, take a closer look at Sodexo.