Prison Custody Officer

Overview

This is a permanent full-time role based at a prison site in Bridgend, Wales (CF35 6AP). The position follows a 40-hour working week with a variety of shift patterns.

Pay and progression

The starting salary is £31,780.35. Pay increases to £32,588.33 after 1 year of service, £33,934.95 after 3 years, and £35,550.90 after 5 years. On successful completion of the first 12 months of service and the final probation period, a £1,000 bonus is paid into salary.

Benefits

Employees receive a company pension, 264 hours of annual leave per year including bank holidays, free on-site parking, a staff canteen, free company uniform, access to high-street retail discounts, and extensive training and development opportunities.

About the role

The prison custody officer plays a key part in keeping the prison safe, secure, and well ordered. The role focuses on treating people in custody with dignity and respect while supporting rehabilitation and helping them move towards a different way of life.

You will help maintain routine and structure, ensure prisoners attend work and education, and support the wider prison regime throughout the day and evening.

Key duties

• Complete written records, paperwork, and reports accurately.
• Maintain necessary restrictions on prisoners’ freedom while respecting their rights.
• Ensure prisoners follow routines and receive their entitlements and privileges appropriately.
• Help reduce risks to safety and security.
• Handle incidents and emergencies, including use of body-worn video cameras where required.
• Promote rehabilitation, teamwork, and a constructive prison culture.
• Challenge poor behaviour and encourage positive conduct.
• Encourage prisoners to take part in purposeful activity and focus on offending behaviour.
• Respond to substance misuse issues.
• Provide first aid support, including CPR.
• Assess prisoner risk and vulnerability and refer to social care where needed.
• Assist prisoners with neurodiverse needs.
• Assess urgent healthcare needs in an emergency.
• Carry out weekly one-to-one sessions with vulnerable prisoners.
• Perform welfare checks.
• Assess the risk of self-harm or suicide.
• Support prisoners’ mental wellbeing.

Training and development

Full training is provided over an 8-week period and includes restraint and control, first aid, interpersonal skills, and health and safety. A career development pathway is also available, with opportunities to progress from prison custody officer to middle management.

Equality, inclusion and safeguarding

The organisation encourages applications from all backgrounds and welcomes requests for reasonable adjustments. It is an inclusive employer and supports bilingual working. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.

The employer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant must complete the appropriate training and work in line with safeguarding policies.

Additional information

Applicants who speak Welsh are encouraged to apply. The vacancy is subject to a verifiable 5-year employment history and strict vetting. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.