Prison Custody Officer

Sodexo France; Ashford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the UK is seeking a Prison Custody Officer at HMP Bronzefield. This role is crucial for maintaining safety and order within the facility while supporting rehabilitation. Applicants should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure. A comprehensive training program will be provided. This position offers a starting salary of £32,772.61 with additional benefits including free meals and access to an on-site gym.

Benefits

Free meals

Access to on-site gym

Life assurance

BUPA healthcare

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Meet required eyesight standards.
• Adequate hearing level without aids.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a secure and disciplined prison environment.
• Supervise daily routines and prisoner movements.
• Escort prisoners securely within and outside the facility.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Empathy

Resilience

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Job description

Prison Custody Officer – HMP Bronzefield

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 Bronzefield.

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.

As the largest women’s prison in Europe, the site operates in a unique environment and places a strong emphasis on maintaining a balanced and inclusive workforce that reflects the population it serves. The current workforce has an approximate 60/40 female-to‑male split, and while all appointments are made strictly on merit, we are keen to encourage applications from women to support greater representation across the workforce. We remain fully committed to fair, open, and non‑discriminatory recruitment practices and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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 £32,772.61 + (London Weighting £3,729.24) with annual increases over the initial 5‑year 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.

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.