CAREERS
Our employees and services touch the lives of others every day, providing crucial services to keep them safe and secure.
When applying for a role with Care and Rehabilitation Services, we believe that it is really important that you have a realistic understanding of what it’s really like to be a Prison Custody Officer, Manager or a member of our Prison support team in one of our UK Prisons.
The opportunities for a long term career are many and diverse. Whether you are already experienced in Prison management or operations, or are looking for a new career path with a chance to make a difference, we may have a role for you. You could be that person who makes a difference every day.
OPERATIONAL ROLES
PRISON CUSTODY OFFICER
We’re looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds with core skills such as good communication, resilience, empathy and integrity to thrive and join our frontline team at HMP/YOI Parc.
Working closely with multiple teams across the prison, operational roles have a number of key responsibilities with rehabilitation at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, it is essential the prison is safe and secure with every prisoner accounted for each day. Operational roles play a key part in giving prisoners structure and routine, making sure they get to work in the morning, are actively engaging with the prison regime and secure in their cell in the evening. Being a role model and a leader encourages prisoners to make positive choices which help them to turn their lives around.
Operational roles are challenging roles with no two days the same but there is a real opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives and in terms of your own development we can support you into a range of roles across the prison and beyond.
Our team has a real opportunity to make a difference and we encourage people to enhance the way we operate and develop new ways of working to improve safety and better support prisoners. If you join us, you’ll find a secure, friendly and professional working environment and be given all the support, training and encouragement you need to build and develop a successful career with us.
Watch our video –
The Day in the Life of a Prison Custody Officer here ▼
A day in the life of a PCO6
I began my career as a PCO6 on the 15th of January 2018, where I was officially employed by G4S at HMP & YOI Parc. This was the day that I began the nine weeks of training which included being shown the right way of doing things and just as importantly, we were warned against doing things the wrong way. As Prisoner Custody Officers (PCOs) we are there to guide and assist prisoners through the daily routine of prison life. This is just what much of a typical day is, routine.
The training, which includes equality and diversity law as well as official guidance on physical control and restraint, goes through all the basics that you need to know about the job. It will give you the tools you require to become a good PCO, but the real learning starts on your first shift, once you are fully qualified. You will work within team during these early days and will be mentored by an experienced officer.
The training may officially end after nine weeks but a good PCO will be learning something every day. We may run the same daily routine, with a slight variation on weekends, however when it comes to facing daily challenges and tasks, no two days are the same. That’s what makes working in this establishment so exciting.
What follows is a rough overview of a typical day though, as I said, there will be numerous other things that make each day different, this is a basic structure.
At approximately 6:40 am I arrive at the gatehouse and pick up a body worn camera, a set of keys and a radio for my shift. The radios are used throughout the day to respond to alarms, codes or to move prisoners around the establishment.
When we arrive at work at 6:45am ready for a 7am start, we have a hand-over to clarify what has happened since we were last on shift and find out if there are any issues that we should be made aware of. We then ensure all paperwork is ready for the day, for example checking that medication lists, work lists, gym lists and the daily record are up to date.
Security is of paramount importance, so it is vital that we know how many prisoners we’ve got and that they are exactly where they should be. A typical day for me starts with my first task; inspecting every cell to ensure the wellbeing of the prisoners as well as physically checking their presence. This is followed by a check around the unit to make sure that everything is safe and secure before we unlock the prisoners for breakfast and the start of their day.
Employment is available in the prison workshops, along with education facilities which can cover everything from basic literacy lessons to Open University tuition. Prisoners are also employed on the residential units themselves, keeping living areas clean and tidy and serving the meals.
It’s all part of improving everyday life for the prisoners, preparing them for the structure of life ‘on the outside’ when they are released. However, at 7.30am all that is on the prisoners’ minds is breakfast and it is crucial that the PCOs make sure that everything is available on time.
At lunchtime all the prisoners return to their units for their midday meals. After lunch, all prisoners are locked up again so that another check can be made. When everyone is accounted for, the prisoners return to work for the afternoon period.
At the end of the prisoners’ working day, they return to the unit for their evening meal, after which the unit is open for free time/association. Here the prisoners can make use of the facilities such as pool and table football. The PCOs’ working day ends with the evening lock up, when prisoners make their way to their cells for a final headcount and some ‘alone time’ after a busy day spent in the company of their neighbours.
Once my shift ends at 20:30 I sign off the net by asking permission from DP, hand back my keys and body worn camera and thus finish my day.
Benefits and Training
Full time shift work
25 holidays per annum
Full continuous training
MANAGERIAL & SUPPORT ROLES
All our employees make a difference. As a manager you will not only provide employees with the leadership and motivation they need to do a great job. At the same time, you will keep an eye on our strategic vision, making sure that everything we do is in line with our top level objectives.
Working in a support role, you play a pivotal part of our continued success and the everyday operation of the prison. We have a number of support functions within the prison such as Human Resources, Psychology, Chaplaincy, Facilities Management and Administration plus many more, so there will be something that suits you!
We are committed to developing our employees as well as providing opportunities for progression. We will give you every chance to transform challenges into opportunities and to excel professionally and personally.
HOW TO APPLY
Whether you are already experienced in prison management or are looking for a new career path as a Prison Custody Officer or are interested in a support role – you have a chance to make a difference.
Find out more details about the range of exciting opportunities available by clicking here.
Equality and Diversity is an important part of G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services. We actively encourage applications from all diverse groups
We have a corporate responsibility to ensure that safeguarding and our G4S values are at the centre of all we do.
Please note that these vacancies are subject to a 5/10 year checkable history and the strict vetting standards set by G4S and the Her Majesties Prison and Probation Service and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
You must be eligible to work in the UK and must have been a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 3 years. You will also need to provide full details of your employment and education history for the last 5/10 years as part of the security screening process for this role.
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