Senior Prison Custody Officer (SPCO)

Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) / Operational Support Officers (OSOs), where applicable

The postholder operates within a demanding custodial environment, balancing security, operational performance, staff management, prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.

The SPCO must ensure compliance with Sodexo policies, Prison Service Orders (PSOs), Prison Service Instructions (PSIs), Local Operating Procedures (LOPs), the Local Security Strategy and relevant legislation.

Key challenges include managing incidents, responding to prisoner complaints and applications, addressing staff performance concerns, maintaining safe staffing levels and implementing actions arising from audits, HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) recommendations and Managing Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) surveys.

The postholder must promote anti-bullying measures, suicide and self-harm prevention, violence reduction, drug strategies and health and safety requirements.

Main Assignments and Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage Prison Custody Officers and, where applicable, Operational Support Officers within the designated area.
• Ensure consistent delivery of contractual requirements, operational standards and agreed KPIs.
• Deploy staff resources effectively in line with staffing profiles and operational priorities.
• Lead, support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, briefings, appraisals and performance management.
• Promote a safe and secure environment for staff, prisoners and visitors, ensuring compliance with health and safety and security procedures.
• Implement safer custody policies and promote the prevention of suicide, self-harm, bullying, violence and drug-related harm.
• Ensure compliance with the Local Security Strategy and all relevant operational procedures.
• Supervise and support staff in managing prisoner applications, complaints and behavioural issues fairly and professionally.
• Promote positive behaviour, pro-social role modelling and rehabilitation.
• Support and monitor actions arising from standard audits, HMIP action plans, MQPL surveys and local self-audit processes.
• Coordinate operational data, maintain accurate records and prepare reports, briefings and handovers.
• Respond to incidents and assume command where authorised, in accordance with local incident management procedures, until relieved by the appropriate senior officer.
• Undertake prisoner escorts, hospital bed watches and approved restraint duties when required and appropriately trained.
• Contribute to local policy development and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Sodexo policies and procedures, seeking guidance from the People Centre or HR where appropriate.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as directed by the Director or designated line manager.

Key Accountabilities

1. Operational Performance:Deliver contractual requirements, operational standards and agreed KPIs.
2. Security and Safety:Maintain a safe, secure and compliant custodial environment.
3. Leadership and Development:Lead, motivate, manage and develop staff to achieve high standards of performance.
4. Prisoner Welfare and Rehabilitation:Promote dignity, respect, positive behaviour and rehabilitative outcomes.
5. Continuous Improvement:Drive improvements through audit compliance, effective communication, performance monitoring and implementation of best practice.

Person Specification

Essential skills and competencies

• Demonstrable experience in a custodial, security-focused or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead by example and maintain professional standards.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and people management skills.
• Ability to challenge inappropriate behaviour and manage difficult situations effectively.
• Strong literacy, numeracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.
• Proactive, organised and systematic approach to operational responsibilities.
• Ability to balance authority, compassion, empathy and professionalism.
• Strong commitment to safety, security, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Resilience, reliability, punctuality and accountability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with policies and procedures.

Key behavioural competencies

• Leadership
• Continuous improvement
• Working with others
• Impact and influence
• Resilience
• Integrity and compassion

Additional requirements

• Willingness to undertake mandatory training and maintain role-specific competencies.
• Flexibility to meet operational working requirements, including shift work where applicable.
• Satisfactory completion of required security vetting and pre-employment checks