Prison Custody Officer

Sodexo; Amble; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo Justice Services at HMP Northumberland is recruiting Prison Custody Officers to join a busy, professional team.

You will help maintain safety and security while supporting prisoners to develop skills, access education and rehabilitation programmes, and progress toward life after custody.

The role offers a 39-hour week, a starting salary around £30,524 with progression after twelve months, and comprehensive training and development.

Qualifications

• Calm under pressure in high-stress situations.
• Empathy and respect for all.
• Strong ethics and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety, security and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors.
• Supervise prisoner movements and ensure all prisoners are accounted for throughout the day.
• Build professional, respectful relationships as a trusted Key Worker.
• Support prisoners to engage with education, employment, training and rehabilitation programmes.
• Encourage positive behaviour and help individuals work towards their personal progression goals.
• Respond professionally and confidently to incidents using approved techniques where required.
• Complete accurate reports and maintain prison records.
• Escort prisoners within the establishment and externally when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

Skills

Calm Under Pressure

Empathy

Respect

Strong Ethics

Resilience

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Teamwork

Vigilance

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

Prison Custody Officer

HMP Northumberland | Sodexo JusticeServices

Salary: £30524.59 per annum - Rising to £ 31315.71 after 1 year

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

Join Our Growing Team and Make aLasting Difference

Due to ongoing growth and increased investment in our services, we're expanding our Prison Custody Officer team at HMP Northumberland .This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportiveand professional team where your work will have a real impact every single day.

As a Prison CustodyOfficer (PCO), you'll do far more than maintain security.You'll helpcreate a safe, respectful environment while supporting prisoners to makepositive changes, develop new skills and prepare for life beyondcustody.Your role will directly contribute to rehabilitation, helping toreduce reoffending and build safer communities.

About HMP Northumberland

HMP Northumberland is abusy, dynamic prison operated by Sodexo Justice Services, committed toproviding a safe, secure and decent environment for prisoners, staff andvisitors.We believe rehabilitation starts with positive relationships,respect and opportunity, and our Prison Custody Officers are at the heartofmaking this happen.

Your Role as a Prison Custody Officer

As a Prison Custody Officer, you'll play a vital rolein the daily operation of the prison by:

• Maintaining the safety, security and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors.
• Supervising prisoner movements and ensuring all prisoners are accounted for throughout the day.
• Building professional, respectful relationships as a trusted Key Worker.
• Supporting prisoners to engage with education, employment, training and rehabilitation programmes.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping individuals work towards their personal progression goals .
• Responding professionally and confidently to incidents using approved techniques where required.
• Completing accurate reports and maintaining prison records.
• Escorting prisoners within the establishment and externally when necessary.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending .
  

What We're Looking For

Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgroundsand experiences. What they have in common is a desire to help others, work aspartof a team and make a positive difference.

To thrive in this role, you'll needto demonstrate:

• Calm Under Pressure – Manage high-stress or unpredictable situations with a level head.
• Empathy & Respect – Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
• Strong Ethics – Maintain fairness, professionalism and integrity at all times.
• Resilience & Adaptability – Stay composed and effective, even when the job gets tough.
• Effective Communication – Listen actively and speak clearly and confidently.
• Conflict Resolution – Use de-escalation techniques to manage tension and disputes.
• Teamwork – Collaborate closely with colleagues for the safety and success of all.
• Vigilance– Remain observant, alert and responsive to potential risks.

A Career That Makes a Difference

Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities.

You'll work with peoplefrom a wide range of backgrounds, including those experiencing mental healthchallenges, substance misuse, trauma and complex personal circumstances . Through comprehensive training and ongoing support,you'll develop the skills and confidence to manage these situations safelywhile helping people move towards a more positive future .

Military Experience? We'd Love toHear From You

At Sodexo, we're proud tosupport the Armed Forces community and actively welcome applications fromveterans, reservists and service leavers .

Many of the skillsdeveloped through military service, such as leadership, resilience, teamwork,professionalism, communication and sound decision-making, are highlytransferable to the Prison Custody Officer role .

If you're looking for acareer where you can continue making a positive difference, protecting othersand serving your community, we'll provide all the training and support you needto succeed .

At HMP Northumberland colleagues support one another, share knowledge and work together to create a safer environment for staff, visitors and prisoners. We're looking for people who understand that strong relationships, trust and collaboration are essential to success.

You'll never be expected to face challengesalone. You'll be part of a team that looks out for one another and workstogether towards a shared purpose.

Training and Development

You don't need prior experience to apply. You'll receive a comprehensive 8-weektraining programme , delivered locally, tofully prepare you for the role. This includes:

• Classroom and practical learning.
• Conflict resolution and communication training.
• Shadowing experienced officers.
• Continued development and support throughout your career.

Recruitment Process

As part of the recruitmentprocess, you'll be invited to attend one of our assessment centres, designed togive you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and behaviours needed tobecome a Prison Custody Officer, while also giving you a better understandingof what it's like to work at HMP Northumberland .

The assessment centre consists of twostages:

• Scenario-Based Exercises – Giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your judgement, communication, teamwork and decision-making through realistic prison-based scenarios.
• Competency-Based Interview – An opportunity to discuss your experience, strengths and motivation for joining Sodexo.

Throughout the day, you'llalso have the opportunity to meet members of the team, ask questions and gain areal insight into life as a Prison Custody Officer . Our assessment centres are designed to be supportive,engaging and give every candidate the opportunity to demonstrate theirpotential .

We believe great prisons are builtbygreat people.

That's why we're constantly investing in creating aculture where colleagues feel valued, empowered and connected. We want everycolleague to have the opportunity to develop, contribute and make a meaningfulimpact every day .

Join our expanding team at HMP Northumberlandand be part of something that makes a real difference—every single day.