Prison Custody Officer (PCO) - HMP Addiewell

Sodexo; West Calder, Addiewell; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facility management company in the UK seeks a Prison Custody Officer at HMP Addiewell. In this meaningful role, you'll maintain safety and order, support rehabilitation initiatives, and foster professional relationships with prisoners. No prior experience is required as comprehensive training is provided. The starting salary is £31,571.95 with annual increases, plus benefits like free meals, parking, and gym access. Join us to make a real difference in the community.

Benefits

Free meals

Subsidised gym membership

Life assurance

BUPA healthcare

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet required eyesight standards.
• Good hearing capabilities.
• No offensive tattoos, facial tattoos allowed for specific reasons.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security within the prison.
• Supervise prisoners' activities.
• Respond to high-pressure situations professionally.
• Support rehabilitation initiatives.
• Build respectful relationships with prisoners.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Calm under pressure

Empathy

Conflict resolution

Teamwork

Job description

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!

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

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.

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 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

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

A Role That Offers More

This role provides opportunities for personal growth, career progression, and the satisfaction of knowing your work truly matters. You’ll witness change first‑hand and play a key part in supporting rehabilitation and community safety.

What We Offer:

• Starting salary £31,571.95 with annual increases over initial 5 years of 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 a Fitness Test and an Assessment centre.

The next fitness test takes place on the 15th of January.

The next assessment centre takes place on the 17th of January.

All offers are subject to full security clearance checks.

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

For further guidance on visa eligibility and sponsorship criteria, please refer to the official UK Government website: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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.