Prison Custody Officer

Sodexo; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8-week training programme

Assessment centres

Career development

Flexible working patterns

Job summary

HMP Peterborough, operated by Sodexo Justice Services, is seeking Prison Custody Officers to help create a safe and respectful environment while supporting prisoners toward positive changes. You’ll work within a professional team, manage incidents, and contribute to rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

You’ll join an organisation that values teamwork, integrity and service, with comprehensive training and opportunities to develop in a challenging, purpose-driven setting.

Qualifications

• Calmly manage high-stress or unpredictable situations.
• Show empathy and respect to all individuals and maintain dignity.
• Demonstrate strong ethics, fairness and integrity.
• Be resilient and adaptable in changing circumstances.
• Communicate clearly and listen actively.
• De-escalate and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues for safety and success.
• Be vigilant, observant and responsive to risks.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining the safety, security and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors.
• Supervising prisoner movements and accounting for all prisoners.
• Building professional, respectful relationships as a trusted Key Worker.
• Supporting prisoners to engage with education, employment, training and rehabilitation.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping progression goals.
• Responding professionally to incidents using approved techniques.
• Completing accurate reports and maintaining prison records.
• Escorting prisoners within and outside the establishment when needed.
• Working with colleagues and partner agencies to support rehab and reduce reoffending.

Skills

Calm Under Pressure

Empathy & Respect

Strong Ethics

Resilience & Adaptability

Effective Communication

Conflict Resolution

Teamwork

Vigilance

Job description

expanding our Prison Custody Officer team atHMP Peterborough. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and professional team where your work will have a real impact every single day. As a Prison Custody Officer (PCO), you'll do far more than maintain security. You'll help create a safe, respectful environment while supporting prisoners to make positive changes, develop new skills and prepare for life beyond custody. Your role will directly contribute to rehabilitation, helping to reduce reoffending and build safer communities.

About HMP Peterborough

HMP Peterboroughis a busy, dynamic prison operated by Sodexo Justice Services, committed to providing a safe, secure and decent environment for prisoners, staff and visitors. We believe rehabilitation starts with positive relationships, respect and opportunity, and our Prison Custody Officers are at the heart of making this happen.

Your Role as a Prison Custody Officer

As a Prison Custody Officer, you'll play a vital role in 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 backgrounds and experiences. What they have in common is a desire to help others, work as part of a team and make a positive difference. To thrive in this role, you'll need to 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 people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, trauma and complex personal circumstances. Through comprehensive training and ongoing support, you'll develop the skills and confidence to manage these situations safely while helping people move towards a more positive future.

Team Culture

At HMP Peterborough 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 challenges alone. You'll be part of a team that looks out for one another and works together towards a shared purpose.

Military Experience? We'd Love to Hear From You

At Sodexo, we’re proud to support the Armed Forces community and actively welcome applications from veterans, reservists and service leavers. Many of the skills developed through military service, such as leadership, resilience, teamwork, professionalism, communication and sound decision-making, are highly transferable to the Prison Custody Officer role. If you're looking for a career where you can continue making a positive difference, protecting others and serving your community, we'll provide all the training and support you need to succeed.

Training and Development

You don't need prior experience to apply. You'll receive a comprehensive 8-week training programme, delivered locally, to fully 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 recruitment process, you'll be invited to attend one of our assessment centres, designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and behaviours needed to become a Prison Custody Officer, while also giving you a better understanding of what it's like to work at HMP Peterborough. The assessment centre consists of three stages:

• Written English and Maths Assessments - Assessing the communication and numerical skills required for the role.
• 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'll also have the opportunity to meet members of the team, ask questions and gain a real 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 their potential. We believe great prisons are built by great people.

Join our expanding team at HMP Peterborough and be part of something that makes a real difference-every single day.

Prison Custody Officer

HMP Peterborough | Sodexo Justice Services

Salary:Starting Salary PCO (0-1 years' service): £33,467.54PCO (1-2 years' service): £34,715.26PCO (2-4 years' service): £35,423.87

Location: Peterborough PE3 7PD

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline

Full-time, part-time and weekend opportunities available.

Looking for part-time work or weekend opportunities? We welcome applications from people interested in these options. Please let us know your preferred working pattern when you apply.

Must be 18 years old to apply

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Assessment centre attendance is required. You must be available to attend an assessment centre between 2-5 November 2026.

Assessment centre time slots: 08:45-10:45, 10:30-10:45, 13:00-13:15 and 14:30-14:45.

Proposed start date: 11 January 2027

Join Our Growing Team and Make a Lasting Difference Due to ongoing growth and increased investment in our services, we're