Prison Custody Officer HMP Peterborough

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Sodexo Justice - HMP Peterborough Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PD

Sodexo Justice - HMP Peterborough Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PD

Closing Date:

17/07/2026

Job Category:

Prison Service

UK Government - Justice

Job Introduction

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. The role involves supporting rehabilitation, ensuring justice, and contributing to the broader community. You will help individuals make positive changes while upholding professional boundaries.

We welcome candidates who are ready to pursue a meaningful career with us at HMP Peterborough.

HMP Peterborough is the UK's first purpose built prison designed to support both men and women. It offers a secure environment, high standard of care and comprehensive programmes in health, education, vocational training and rehabilitation.

Who We're Looking For

We value diversity and seek individuals from all walks of life-whether you are a parent, teacher, retail worker, former armed forces member, or someone driven by a passion for helping others.

Look for a natural people person with strong communication skills, self confidence, empathy and resilience. You should be able to build constructive, positive, and professional relationships grounded in fairness, consistency and respect.

Candidates must also be comfortable enforcing rules, setting boundaries, and addressing challenging behaviour directly.

Teamwork Matters

Teamwork is essential to maintaining a safe and secure environment. You must be fully committed to supporting colleagues and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, communicate, and take responsibility in high pressure situations.

The Behaviours That Make a Great Officer

To thrive in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Calm Under Pressure - manage high stress scenarios with composure
• Empathy & Respect - treat all individuals with dignity, regardless of circumstances
• Strong Ethics - maintain fairness, professionalism and integrity at all times
• Resilience & Adaptability - stay composed and effective even when the job becomes challenging
• Effective Communication - speak and listen clearly and confidently
• Conflict Resolution - apply de escalation techniques to manage tension and disputes
• Teamwork - collaborate closely with colleagues to achieve shared safety goals
• Vigilance - remain observant, alert and responsive to potential risks

Training and Development

You don't need prior experience to apply. You will receive a comprehensive 8 week training programme delivered locally to fully prepare you for the role. This includes classroom learning, practical exercises, conflict resolution and communication training, shadowing experienced officers, and ongoing support throughout your career.

• Classroom and practical learning
• Conflict resolution and communication training
• Shadowing experienced officers
• Continued development and support across 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 employment begins.

• Be able to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays
• Demonstrate physical capability for demanding tasks and endurance for long periods
• Communicate clearly in English, both spoken and written, in high pressure situations

Tattoos are permitted, provided they are not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating.

Facial tattoos are generally not allowed, except for cultural, religious or medical reasons.

A Role That Offers More

This position provides opportunities for personal growth, career progression, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to rehabilitation and community safety. You will play a key part in supporting rehabilitation and ensuring a secure environment.

What We Offer:

• Starting salary £33,467.54 with annual increases over five year service
• Free meals and parking
• Access to on site gym and subsidised gym membership
• Potential for overtime (subject to availability)
• Comprehensive paid training and progression opportunities
• Life assurance
• Pension schemes and additional benefits

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: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa .