Addiewell-Test

Prison Custody Officer

HMP Addiewell | Sodexo Justice Services

Salary: £32,676.97 per annum+ Sodexo rewards and benefits

Location: Addiewell, West Calder EH55 8QF

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Must be 18 years old to apply

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Join Our Growing Team and Make a Lasting Difference

Due to ongoing growth and increased investment in our services, we are expanding our Prison Custody Officer team at HMP Addiewell
. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and professional team where your work will have a real impact every single day. As a Prison Custody Officer (PCO), you will do far more than maintain security. You will help create a safe, respectful environment while supporting prisoners to make positive changes, develop new skills and prepare for life beyond custody.

Your role will directly contribute to rehabilitation, helping to reduce reoffending and build safer communities.

HMP Addiewell is a busy, dynamic prison operated by Sodexo Justice Services, committed to providing a safe, secure and decent environment for prisoners, staff and visitors. We believe rehabilitation starts with positive relationships, respect and opportunity, and our Prison Custody Officers are at the heart of making this happen.

As a Prison Custody Officer, you will play a vital role in the daily operation of the prison by:

• Maintaining the safety, security and wellbeing of prisoners, staff and visitors.
• Supervising prisoner movements and ensuring all prisoners are accounted for throughout the day.
• Building professional, respectful relationships as a trusted Key Worker.
• Supporting prisoners to engage with education, employment, training and rehabilitation programmes.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping individuals work towards their personal progression goals.
• Responding professionally and confidently to incidents using approved techniques where required.
• Completing accurate reports and maintaining prison records.
• Escorting prisoners within the establishment and externally when necessary.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. What they have in common is a desire to help others, work as part of a team and make a positive difference.

• 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‑scalation 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.

Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities.

You’ll work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, trauma and complex personal circumstances. Through comprehensive training and ongoing support, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to manage these situations safely while helping people move towards a more positive future.

At Sodexo, we’re proud to support the Armed Forces community and actively welcome applications from veterans, reservists and service leavers.

Many of the skills developed through military service, such as leadership, resilience, teamwork, professionalism, communication and sound decision‑making, are highly transferable to the Prison Custody Officer role.

If you’re looking for a career where you can continue making a positive difference, protecting others and serving your community, we’ll provide all the training and…