Prison Custody Officer

Job Introduction
Great **Prison Custody Officers (PCOs)** are key to the smooth running of our prisons. They have an **important role** to play in supporting residents with their rehabilitation and creating a **positive and safe environment**.

**What makes a great PCO?**

We’re looking for people who will be a **natural fit** for the job. Your background and experience are not important. It’s the **kind of person** you are that **matters**. We can teach you the rest.

Are you responsible, reliable, and good at building trust with others?

Does the following sound like the kind of person you are?
- Is reliable, true to your word and can always be depended on to get things done
- Always treats others fairly and with respect and able to see past bad behaviour and start each day afresh
- Is quick to notice things, such as changes in people’s moods or when something isn’t quite right
- Is consistent - people know where they stand with you and you stick to the important rules (or if not, you have very good reasons not to)
- Can easily connect and talk to all sorts of people from different backgrounds on their level
- Is straightforward and ‘tells it as it is’
- Helps others out including helping people find ways to help themselves
- Keeps calm under pressure

In this role you will be required to write reports and use IT systems and software packages independently. Basic skills are required but training will be given as part of induction and ongoing development.

This is a role which requires a reasonable level of fitness we may ask people to undertake a fitness test as part of the process.


Main Responsibilities

**What’s the job like?**

You will be working on a wing with a team of other PCOs responsible for prisoners. Your role will involve everything from managing the regular prison routines, (locking & unlocking, supervising meals and recreation time, to escorting people to prison work and education). You’ll need to deal with the more challenging aspects of prison life such as abusive and violent behaviour. You’ll be working with all sorts of prisoners including those on long sentences, people convicted of serious crime and vulnerable individuals.

**Why be a PCO?**

People love this career for many reasons. Some enjoy the variety and challenge of working with very different people and dealing with all sorts of issues. Others get a buzz from seeing prisoners improve and progress (however small the changes).

Many PCOs appreciate the security and stability of the regular work routines. Others appreciate shift patterns, which allow them flexibility to carry out their responsibilities outside of work.

**Flexible Working**

Our great PCOs come to us with all kinds of work and life experience. Some have worked in retail, healthcare, call centres and as taxi drivers. Others have previously worked in the military, police and security services. The work you’ve done before doesn't matter. What matters is that you’re ‘made of the right stuff’ - the rest you will learn during our intensive 10-week training course and then on the job with the support of experienced colleagues.

Recruitment process:

- An assessment centre, which includes the opportunity of a tour of HMP Northumberland, so you can get a feel for the environment you will be working in. The assessment centre also includes the chance to meet with some of our current PCOs, and also with those who will support you as you learn the role and complete the professional programme. It’s also a great chance to ask questions and learn more about the role and whether it is the right choice for you. You will need to bring evidence of your right to work in the UK to this assessment centre.
- **Assessment centres will take place from 17:30 - 19:30 on the 24th and 27th March**:

- Those who pass the assessment centre will be invited to an interview, which covers the core competencies and behaviours required to be a PCO.
- **Interviews will take place between 29th March and 2nd April, **with appointments being booked whilst you are at the assessment centre.
- **Start Date of training course: 22nd May - **there are 10 weeks of training from this date, which you must be available for.
- Requirement to undertake security vetting process as soon as verbal offer made, and for vetting to be in place before the course starts. Any delays to vetting will result in you being offered a place on a later course

About The Company
In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs around 30,000 people, and partners with clients in many sectors across business and industry; schools and universities; sports and leisure; energy and resources; government and agencies; healthcare; justice and defence.

Sodexo’s connected; people-centric approach brings together a diverse range of expertise. The breadth of services it offers ranges from food and hospitality; cleaning; reception; concierge (Circles); security; property management and technical services through to data driv