Prison Custody Officer – HMP PeterboroughPlease 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 Livesas 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.Rehabilitation is at the heart of what we do - you will play a key role in helping individuals make positive changes while maintaining clear professional boundaries.If you're pursuing a career with meaning, we welcome you to apply for the position of Prison Custody Officer at HMP PeterboroughHMP Peterborough is the UK's first purpose‑built prison to house both men and women on the same site.With high levels of physical security, it provides needs‑led personal development services tailored to both populations. As a resettlement‑focused establishment, it offers a wide range of educational, vocational and behavioural programmes, alongside workshops, accredited training and employment opportunities that build practical skills for release.The site also includes dedicated healthcare, family services and faith facilities to support overall well‑being.Sodexo has a culture built on three hallmarks: Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference. We encourage people to be positive by creating hope and respect in every interaction, to be courageous by safely challenging behaviours that don't support a positive environment, and to be the difference by taking actions that improve outcomes for those we support.By living these hallmarks each day, you help build routines, rituals and behaviours that show what good looks like. You recognise and encourage the right actions, and you lead with intention - knowing every moment of connection counts.As part of the recruitment process, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre made up of three stages:Written English and maths assessmentsScenario-based exercisesInterviewWe strongly encourage candidates to prepare in advance.Assessment Centre Date: Week commencing 11th May 2026Please only apply if you are available to attend.What You'll Do Your responsibilities will include:Maintaining a secure and disciplined prison environmentSupervising daily routines, prisoner movements, and scheduled activitiesEscorting prisoners securely within and outside the facilityResponding calmly and professionally to challenging or high-pressure situationsSupporting rehabilitation initiatives and encouraging positive behavioursBuilding respectful, professional relationships with prisoners to promote a safer, more supportive atmosphereWho We're Looking ForThere's no typical background for this role. Whether you've worked in retail, education, the armed forces, or customer service, your skills are valuable here.We're looking for individuals who are:Confident communicatorsResilient and calm under pressureFair, consistent, and professionalAble to build positive relationships while maintaining boundariesTeamwork MattersTeamwork 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.You must be confident in calling for support when required and supporting colleagues during incidents.Trust, communication, and reliability are essential - your team will depend on you in high-pressure situations.The Behaviours That Make a Great OfficerTo thrive in this role, you'll need to demonstrate:Calm Under Pressure – Manage high-stress or unpredictable situations with a level headEmpathy & Respect – Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstancesStrong Ethics – Maintain fairness, professionalism, and integrity at all timesResilience & Adaptability – Stay composed and effective, even when the job gets toughEffective Communication – Listen actively and speak clearly and confidentlyConflict Resolution – Use de-escalation techniques to manage tension and disputesTeamwork – Collaborate closely with colleagues for the safety and success of allVigilance – Remain observant, alert, and responsive to potential risksTraining and DevelopmentYou 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 learningConflict resolution and communication trainingShadowing experienced officersContinued development and support throughout your careerYou will be required to pass and maintain Control & Restraint certification as part of your ongoing roleEligibility CriteriaTo 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 beginsBe able to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidaysBe physically capable of performing control and restraint techniques, standing for long periods, walking significant distances, and responding quickly to incidentsConfident communicating clearly in spoken and written English in challenging or high-pressure situationsTattoos 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 reasonsA Role That Offers MoreThis 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 £33,467.54 with annual increases over initial 5 years' service Free meals and parking Access to our on-site gym and subsidised gym membershipOpportunity to earn overtime (subject to availability)Comprehensive paid training and progression opportunitiesLife 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 prisonsApplicationTo 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 CompanyWe'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.