Prison Custody Officer HMP Peterborough

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

Benefits offered by this job

8-week training programme

Job summary

Sodexo Justice Services at HMP Peterborough is seeking Prison Custody Officers to help maintain a safe, respectful environment and to support prisoners in developing new skills for life after custody.

You will supervise movements, build trusted relationships as a Key Worker, and assist in education, employment, and rehabilitation activities while contributing to safer communities.

Qualifications

• Calm under pressure and integrity in high-stress situations.
• Empathy, respect and strong ethical standards in handling detainees.
• Able to adapt/resilie to challenging environments and maintain professionalism.
• Excellent communication and ability to de-escalate conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety, security and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors.
• Supervise prisoner movements and ensure all prisoners are accounted for.
• 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 progress.
• Complete accurate reports and maintain prison records.
• Escort prisoners within the establishment and externally when necessary.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partner agencies to support rehabilitation.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Empathy & Respect

Strong ethics

Resilience & Adaptability

Effective communication

Conflict resolution

Teamwork

Vigilance

Job description

Prison Custody Officer

HMP Peterborough | Sodexo Justice Services

Salary: Starting Salary PCO (0-1 years' service): £33,467.54

PCO (1-2 years' service): £34,715.26
PCO (2-4 years' service): £35,423.87

Location: Peterborough PE3 7PD

Plan Your Journey | Traveline

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

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 expanding our Prison Custody Officer team at HMP 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 Peterborough is 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.

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.

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.

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

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