Custody Training Officer

Surrey Police; Woking; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Pension and staff benefits

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Surrey Police is seeking a Custody Training Officer to design and deliver innovative training for officers in secure custody environments. You will lead professional development, ensuring custody staff meet high standards of practice and legislation.

The ideal candidate has a background in custody operations, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a commitment to training and development. Benefits include a supportive work environment and opportunities for skills advancement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a custody environment.
• Ability to adapt training styles for different audiences.
• Hold or willing to complete police training qualification.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver custody training programmes.
• Evaluate learning activities and monitor trainee competencies.
• Support professional development for custody staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Decision-making skills

Presentation skills

Training skills

Education

GCSE in Maths

GCSE in English

College of Policing Trainer Essential Programme qualification

Job description

Are you ready to make a real impact where it matters most? We’re looking for a dynamic Custody Training Officer to lead, inspire, and upskill new and existing officers working in high-pressure secure custody environments.

In this crucial role, you'll deliver innovative, practical training that equips custody staff with the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to handle every situation — safely, lawfully, professionally and effectively; supporting the Force objectives under Our Plan of pursuing criminals relentlessly; investigating crime thoroughly and acting ethically with the highest standards.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and delivering engaging, inclusive and supportive custody training programmes
• Evaluating learning activities, assessing and monitoring trainee competency and behaviours, ensuring full compliance with legal frameworks (PACE, use of force, safeguarding, etc.) and providing constructive developmental feedback to allow students to progress and improve.
• Supporting continuous professional development for custody sergeants and detention officers
• Contributing to safer detention practices and better outcomes for detainees and staff alike.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a custody environment (as a detention officer, custody sergeant, or trainer)
• Qualified police sector trainer/assessor, or ability to achieve this within 6 months of appointment
• In-depth knowledge of detention procedures and relevant legislation
• Excellent communication, facilitation, interpersonal, coaching and leadership skills
• Passion for professional standards and operational excellence
• Strong decision‑making skills, ability to prioritise work and work within set timescales, proactive, motivated and ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision or as part of a team
• Ability to adapt training style and deliver to suit the needs of the audience and/or individuals learning needs, operational delivery and ensure understanding
• Understanding of trauma‑informed practices

What You’ll Get

• The chance to genuinely make a difference in custody standards across the board
• Supportive and professional working environment
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Pension, staff benefits and access to wellbeing networks and support
• Future opportunities for skills development such as conflict/first aid training in accordance with Force/Department needs.

Additional information

The post holder will be designated with policing powers in order to undertake the full range of duties of a police staff Detention Officer where operationally required, and to maintain professional competency in role.

Qualifications

• Hold, or willingness to complete, College of Policing Trainer Essential Programme (TEP) qualification.
• GCSE C and above in Maths/Level 2 equivalent or higher‑level qualification/equivalent
• GCSE C and above in English/Level 2 equivalent or higher‑level qualification/equivalent
• A Full and valid driving licence and access to a vehicle so you can drive to any of the three custody suites in the county if needed
• Hold or achieve Surrey Police Basic Driver authorisation.
• A Police Sector Assessor Standard qualification or ability to achieve.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrable experience working within a police custody environment as a Detention/Custody Officer.
• Sound working knowledge of the Custody system, PACE 1984 and Authorised Professional Practice Detention & Custody.
• Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to facilitate workshops for individuals or teams across various experience levels and ranks/grades.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, and able to produce clear, concise and accurate reports, records and training or performance products.
• Excellent understanding of diversity and inclusion and the ability to embed these in training delivery.
• Highly motivated, able to work on own initiative with minimal supervision with the ability to prioritise and complete work assignments to high standards within required timescales.
• Ability to deliver, develop and implement training using a variety of methods.
• Be a role model for colleagues working and behaving to the highest standards in accordance with the Code of Ethics and enhancing professional practice and performance.
• Experience of training or coaching of colleagues to deliver achievement of results in others.
• Ability to review training, process and procedures, evaluate their effectiveness, make changes, adapt and drive compliance across the organisation.
• Ability to work effectively and build strong working relationships with colleagues of all ranks/grade and experience levels across the Force, and with external partner agencies or organisations.

Further Information

Please contact Insp Mark Simpson [e-mail] or PS Danny Sayer [e-mail] for further information.