Operational Support Officer

Sodexo; Amble; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24-hour virtual GP service

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension Plan

Learning and development

Bike to Work Scheme

Enhanced benefits and leave policies

Job summary

HMP Northumberland, operated by Sodexo Justice Services, is seeking an Operational Support Officer to help run a safe, secure prison environment. You will support multiple areas including Gatehouse, Control Room, Visits, Security, Stores and Residential controls while upholding dignity and respect for staff and detainees.

This permanent, full-time role includes night and evening shifts; you will follow procedures, maintain confidentiality and complete mandatory training to develop your skills in

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and a professional approach when dealing with visitors, colleagues and the public.
• A proactive approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• A proactive and safety-minded approach to Health & Safety.
• The confidence to challenge inappropriate behaviour appropriately.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to a high standard.
• Willingness to complete all mandatory training.
• Flexibility to undertake a variety of duties across the prison as required.
• The ability to follow procedures and instructions accurately.

Responsibilities

• Providing effective operational support across designated areas of the prison.
• Operating and monitoring security and supervision systems.
• Carrying out security checks and search procedures in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Providing a professional, polite and high-quality service to visitors and staff.
• Acting as a professional first point of contact for visitors and official guests.
• Operating and inputting information into Sodexo systems.
• Identifying and reporting potential breaches, Health & Safety hazards, problems or concerns promptly.
• Supporting safe and effective operation of the prison in line with local procedures.
• Completing thorough handovers to incoming colleagues with up-to-date briefings.
• Maintaining confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
• Undertaking other duties to support the prison's operation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

EDI awareness

Health & Safety

Discretion

Teamwork

Procedural compliance

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - HMP Northumberland

Working Hours:

39

Location:

HMP Northumberland

Closing Date:

31/10/2026

Job Category:

Prison Service

UK Government - Justice

Job Introduction

Operational Support Officer

HMP Northumberland | Sodexo JusticeServices

Location: Northumberland, NE65 9XG

Contract: Permanent, Full Time. Night & Evening work required

Please note that we are unable tooffer sponsorship for this position.

About the role

Are you professional, proactive and committed tomaintaining a safe and secure environment?

Sodexo is looking for Operational Support Officers(OSOs) to join our team at HMP Northumberland.

As an Operational Support Officer, you’ll play animportant role in supporting the safe and effective operation of the prison.You’ll help maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors and prisoners,while ensuring that everyone is treated with decency, dignity and respect.

This is a varied role, with opportunities to workacross different areas of the prison, including Gatehouse, Control Room,Visits, Security, Stores and Residential Control areas.

You’ll need to be professional, observant andconfident when dealing with people, while having the ability to respondappropriately to situations where safety, security or wellbeing may be at risk.

What you’ll be doing

As an Operational Support Officer, yourresponsibilities will include:

• Providing effective operational support across designated areas of the prison.
• Operating and monitoring security and supervision systems.
• Carrying out security checks and search procedures in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Providing a professional, polite and high-quality service to visitors and members of the public.
• Acting as a professional first point of contact for visitors and official guests.
• Operating and accurately inputting information into Sodexo systems.
• Identifying and reporting potential security breaches, Health & Safety hazards, problems or concerns to the Duty Manager promptly.
• Supporting the safe and effective operation of the prison in accordance with local procedures and security requirements.
• Completing thorough handovers to incoming colleagues, ensuring they are fully briefed on recent and forthcoming events.
• Maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Undertaking other duties as required to support the effective operation of HMP Northumberland.

Operational Support – Nights

Where working within the night team, responsibilitiesmay include:

• Working in accordance with established night procedures.
• Monitoring systems and processes that support the effective operation and security of the prison.
• Responding appropriately to contingency plans relating to security and control.
• Monitoring prisoners identified as being at risk at designated intervals.
• Patrolling residential and other areas as required.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to cell calls and other incidents during the night.
• Reporting any concerns or issues to the appropriate manager.

Operational Support – Stores

Where working within Stores, responsibilities mayinclude:

• Ordering and issuing staff uniform in accordance with company procedures.
• Ensuring the timely delivery of stores to residential and support service areas.
• Obtaining signed receipts for items delivered within the prison.
• Maintaining accurate records of stock held within Stores.
• Operating a Just in Time (JIT) replenishment system.
• Monitoring stock levels and helping ensure essential items are available when required.
• Supporting the efficient and secure operation of the Stores function.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for people who are professional,reliable and able to work effectively in a security-focused environment.

You’ll need:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and a professional approach when dealing with visitors, colleagues and members of the public.
• A proactive approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• A positive and proactive approach to Health & Safety.
• The confidence and ability to challenge inappropriate behaviour appropriately.
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team to a high standard.
• A proactive and systematic approach to tasks.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging or unexpected situations.Strong discretion and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• A willingness to complete all mandatory training as required.
• The flexibility to undertake a variety of duties across the prison as required.
• The ability to follow procedures and instructions accurately.

You’ll also be required to wear the appropriate Sodexouniform and name badge at all times.

About HMP Northumberland

Sodexo’s vision for HMP Northumberland is to createand maintain a safe, stable and progressive environment, with modern facilitiesdedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfiltheirpotential.

Every aspect of the prison is designed to supportmeaningful progress throughout a person's sentence and personal developmentgoals, within a culture focused on rehabilitation.

As an Operational Support Officer, you’ll contributedirectly to creating an environment where safety, security, dignity and respectare maintained for everyone.

You’ll also support the wider leadership team indelivering the vision for HMP Northumberland and ensuring the prison operateseffectively in line with Sodexo’s corporate and local values.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our people are at the heart of what we do.We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues can developtheir skills, build rewarding careers and feel supported both at work and intheir personal lives.

When you join Sodexo, you’ll have access to a range ofbenefits, rewards and development opportunities, including:

• Wellbeing support – unlimited access to an online platform providing a range of wellbeing resources.
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support with everyday issues and life's larger challenges, including legal and financial advice and support with work or personal matters affecting your wellbeing.
• 24-hour virtual GP service – access to convenient healthcare support whenever you need it.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme – access to great deals 24/7 across a wide range of popular retailers and brands.
• Pension Plan – helping you save for your future.
• Learning and development – access to a variety of learning and development tools to help you grow and succeed throughout your career with Sodexo.
• Bike to Work Scheme – supporting colleagues to stay active while making more sustainable travel choices.
• Enhanced benefits and leave policies – access to Sodexo UK & Ireland's enhanced benefits and leave policies, supporting colleagues across different stages of their personal and professional lives.

This is an opportunity to join a professional team ina unique environment where your work can make a meaningful contribution to thesafety, security and effective operation of HMP Northumberland.

You’ll work alongside colleagues across a range ofoperational areas, develop your skills through training and gain valuableexperience within a professional and supportive team.

If you’re someone who takes pride in doing the rightthing, treats people with dignity and respect, and is committed to maintaininghigh standards of safety and security, we’d love to hear from you.