Prison Custody Officer

Mitie; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive training programme

Career progression

Health & wellbeing support

33 days annual leave

Overtime opportunities

Free onsite parking

Gym facilities

Staff canteen

Blue Light Discount Card

Job summary

Mitie Group is seeking Prison Custody Officers for HMP Millsike to help create a safe, respectful, and rehabilitative environment. No prison experience is required; value-based hiring, and a commitment to rehabilitation are essential.

The role offers a competitive salary (£37,818.90) and full-time hours (42 per week) with shifts including nights and weekends, plus a comprehensive training programme and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Eligibility to work in the UK is required.
• Maths and English proficiency will be assessed during recruitment.
• Moderate level of physical fitness is required and assessed during recruitment.
• Must pass HMPPS security clearance checks (ten-year history, financial checks, social media screening).
• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Responsibilities

• Help maintain a safe and secure environment for prisoners, staff, and visitors.
• Build positive, professional relationships with prisoners to support rehabilitation and behavioural change.
• Support individuals through challenging situations with a calm and respectful approach.
• Work closely with healthcare teams, probation services, and other professionals.
• Promote safer custody and help reduce violence within the prison.
• Supervise daily activities, routines, and work placements.
• Encourage prisoners to develop skills, responsibility, and resilience ahead of release.
• Respond confidently and professionally in dynamic situations.

Skills

Communication

Composure

Empathy

Fairness

Teamwork

Resilience

Job description

Prison Custody Officer – HMP Millsike

Location: HMP Millsike, YO41 1FZ
Salary: £37,818.90 plus benefits
Hours: Full time – average 42 hours per week across a range of shifts, including nights and weekends.
We aim to provide fair, predictable shift patterns to help support a healthy work-life balance.

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Are you looking for a career with purpose, challenge, and the opportunity to change lives?

HMP Millsike is seeking compassionate, resilient, and motivated individuals to join our team as Prison Custody Officers (PCOs). This is far more than a security role, it's an opportunity to positively influence people, support rehabilitation, and help create a safer community for everyone.

As part of a brand-new prison with a modern, progressive approach, you'll play a key role in creating a safe, respectful, and rehabilitative environment where people are supported to make meaningful changes to their lives.

No previous prison experience is required, just the right values, attitude, and commitment.

Why Join HMP Millsike?

HMP Millsike has been designed around rehabilitation, wellbeing, and reducing reoffending through evidence-based practice. We are building a diverse team of people who bring empathy, professionalism, and strong communication skills to the role.

Whether you've worked in customer service, the Armed Forces, healthcare, education, retail, social care, hospitality, or are looking for a completely new career path, your life experience could make you an excellent Prison Custody Officer.

What You'll Be Doing

As a PCO, no two days are the same. You will:

• Help maintain a safe and secure environment for prisoners, staff, and visitors
• Build positive, professional relationships with prisoners to support rehabilitation and behavioural change
• Support individuals through challenging situations using a calm and respectful approach
• Work closely with healthcare teams, probation services, and other professionals
• Promote safer custody and help reduce violence within the prison
• Supervise daily activities, routines, and work placements
• Encourage prisoners to develop skills, responsibility, and resilience ahead of release
• Respond confidently and professionally in dynamic situations

What We're Looking For

We are looking for people who are:

• Excellent communicators with strong interpersonal skills
• Calm, confident, and able to remain professional under pressure
• Empathetic and respectful while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• Passionate about fairness, inclusion, and rehabilitation
• Reliable team players with strong personal integrity
• Physically and mentally resilient in a dynamic working environment

What You'll Receive

We believe in rewarding and supporting our people. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary of £37,818.90
• Comprehensive paid training programme
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive team environment
• Health and wellbeing support services
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Overtime opportunities
• Free onsite parking, including EV charging points
• Free access to onsite gym facilities
• Free meal during shifts from our subsidised staff canteen
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Discount Card

Full Training Provided – No Experience Needed

If successful, you'll complete our fully funded 9-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at HMP Millsike, designed to give you the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in the role.

The programme includes:

7 Weeks Classroom-Based Learning

Covering key areas such as:

• First Aid at Work
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Restorative Practice
• Conflict Management
• Control & Restraint Training

2 Weeks Practical Shadowing

Gain real experience alongside experienced Prison Custody Officers and develop an understanding of daily prison operations.

Please note: 100% attendance is required throughout the training programme.

Essential Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK. Please not that this role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current immigration rules.
• Have a good standard of Maths and English (assessed during recruitment).
• Have a moderate level of physical fitness (assessed during recruitment).
• Meet the required eyesight and hearing standards for the role.
• Be able to pass HMPPS security clearance checks, including:
• 10-year employment/activity history
• Financial checks
• Social media screening

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Travel Information

HMP Millsike is located in a rural area with limited public transport links. Due to fixed shift times aligned to prison operational requirements, access to your own transport is highly beneficial.

To support our operational shift requirements, applicants must be able to commute to HMP Millsike within 90 minutes of travel time.

Start a Career That Matters

Every day as a Prison Custody Officer is an opportunity to protect the public, support rehabilitation, and help people make positive changes.