Prison Custody Officer - HMP (Insert prison name)

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company is seeking a Prison Custody Officer to maintain safety and support rehabilitation in a challenging environment. This full-time position, located in Manchester, offers a starting salary of £31,752.24 with annual increases. Responsibilities include supervising prisoners and managing daily routines. Applicants must be empathetic individuals with strong communication skills, ready to build respectful relationships. Comprehensive training and multiple benefits are provided for career advancement.

Benefits

Free meals

Access to on-site gym

Subsidized gym membership

Comprehensive paid training

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Meet eyesight standards with or without corrective lenses.
• Have an adequate level of hearing without aids.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a secure and disciplined prison environment.
• Supervise daily routines and prisoner movements.
• Respond calmly to challenging situations.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Empathy

Resilience

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Job description

Prison Custody Officer - HMP (Insert prison name)

Employer:

Sodexo Ltd

Location:

Manchester, M27 8FB

Pay:

£30,000.00 to £35,000.00 per year, Competitive

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

30/01/2026

About this job

Please note: This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route in line with current UK immigration rules.

SECURE THE PRESENT, SHAPE THE FUTURE

• Transform Lives as a Prison Custody Officer As a Prison Custody Officer, you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining safety, security, and order within our prison facilities.This is more than just a job
• it’s a meaningful opportunity to support rehabilitation, ensure justice, and contribute to the wider community.

If you're pursuing a career with meaning, we welcome you to apply for the position of Prison Custody Officer at HMP Forest Bank

What You’ll Do

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining a secure and disciplined prison environment
• Supervising daily routines, prisoner movements, and scheduled activities
• Escorting prisoners securely within and outside the facility
• Responding calmly and professionally to challenging or high-pressure situations
• Supporting rehabilitation initiatives and encouraging positive behaviours
• Building respectful, professional relationships with prisoners to promote a safer, more supportive atmosphere

Who We’re Looking For

There’s no such thing as a typical prison officer. Our team is made up of people from all walks of life.

• whether you’re a parent, former teacher, retail worker, member of the armed forces, or simply someone who thrives on helping others.

Whatever your background, if you’re a natural people person with strong communication skills, self-confidence, empathy, and resilience, we want to hear from you.

You’ll be working with individuals who may be at the lowest point in their lives. No matter the challenge, you'll be expected to build constructive, positive, and professional relationships based on fairness, consistency, and respect.

Teamwork Matters

Teamwork plays a vital role in this environment. You’ll need to be fully committed to supporting your colleagues and understand the importance of acting as one team to keep the prison safe.

• for staff, visitors, and prisoners alike.

The Behaviours That Make a Great Officer

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 active and speak 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 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

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a position as a Prison Officer, you must meet the following requirements: Be at least 18 years of age at the time your employment begins. Meet the required eyesight standards in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. Have an adequate level of hearing without the use of hearing aids, for safety reasons during training and operational duties. Tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, but must not be offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating. Facial tattoos are generally not allowed, except where they are for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.

What We Offer

Starting salary £31,752.24 Per Annum, with annual increases over initial 5 years’ service. Free meals (if applicable) and parking. Access to our on-site gym and subsidised gym membership. Opportunity to earn overtime (subject to availability). Comprehensive paid training and progression opportunities. Life assurance BUPA healthcare. Pension schemes and much more. Please see the benefits guide attached which outlines all of Sodexo's excellent benefits. Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.

Interested in seeing what it’s like to work in one of our prisons?

Click the link to learn more- Working in our prisons Application. To move forward with your application, we’ll need to complete a pre‑screening process within a few days of your submission. You’ll receive an email with instructions on how to do this

• please be sure to check your junk or spam folder in case it lands there.

You will then be invited to participate in an assessment centre. All offers are subject to full security clearance checks.

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

About The Company

We’re all about building a workplace for the future.

We believe in equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and everyone can be the best versions of themselves.