Prison Custody Officer – HMP Bronzefield

Sodexo Justice Services | Ashford, TW15 3JZ

Starting salary: £39,303.83, including £3,729.24 London Weighting

• 1–2 years’ service: £36,365.01 + £3,729.24 London Weighting
• 2–4 years’ service: £37,073.41 + £3,729.24 London Weighting

Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Support women. Build trust. Help shape a different future.

Could you see yourself making a difference to the lives of women in custody?

At HMP Bronzefield, we’re encouraging more women to consider a career as a Prison Custody Officer. If you’ve never pictured yourself working in a prison, this could be an opportunity to discover a career where your communication skills, judgement and life experience really matter.

You don’t need a background in security or the prison service. We’ll provide the training, practical skills and support to help you succeed.

As a women’s prison, having enough female officers is essential to supporting the safety, dignity and privacy of those in our care. We’re therefore especially keen to hear from women interested in joining our team. We welcome applications from everyone, with all candidates assessed fairly against the same role requirements and appointments made on merit.

About HMP Bronzefield

Operated by Sodexo Justice Services, HMP & YOI Bronzefield is a purpose-built women’s prison in Ashford, close to Heathrow. It supports adult women and young adults, including those on remand and serving sentences.

The site brings together residential accommodation, education, workshops, healthcare and a Mother and Baby Unit. Our officers work alongside specialist teams to maintain safety, support rehabilitation and help women prepare for life beyond custody.

A role where your approach makes a difference

A conversation, a clear boundary or a moment of encouragement can make a real difference to someone’s day.

As a Prison Custody Officer, you’ll balance care with responsibility, building professional relationships while keeping prisoners, colleagues and visitors safe. You’ll:

• Supervise daily routines, activities and prisoner movements.
• Build trust through fair, consistent and respectful communication.
• Support women to engage with education, training and rehabilitation.
• Act as a Key Worker, encouraging progress towards individual goals.
• Recognise concerns about safety or wellbeing and respond appropriately.
• Manage challenging situations calmly, using approved techniques when required.
• Keep accurate records and work closely with colleagues and partner agencies.

The work can be demanding. You’ll support women experiencing trauma, mental health difficulties and complex personal circumstances, with training and teamwork helping you respond safely and professionally.

Bring your experience. Build new skills.

There’s no single route into this career. You may come from care, retail, hospitality, education, the Armed Forces or a completely different background.

What matters is how you treat people and respond when things get difficult. We’re looking for:

• Empathy and respect: listen without judgement and treat people with dignity.
• Integrity and fairness: do the right thing and maintain professional boundaries.
• Clear communication: build understanding, offer reassurance and address concerns.
• Resilience and sound judgement: stay calm and make considered decisions.
• Teamwork and vigilance: support colleagues and stay alert to risks.

Military experience? Continue making a difference.

We proudly welcome applications from veterans, reservists and service leavers, including women moving from military service into civilian careers.

Your leadership, teamwork, resilience and decision-making skills can transfer directly into this role. We’ll help you build on that experience through specialist training and ongoing support.

Training, support and development

You’ll receive a comprehensive nine-week training programme, delivered locally, covering classroom and practical learning, communication, conflict resolution and shadowing experienced officers.

Your development continues beyond training, with opportunities to strengthen your skills and progress your career. You’ll join colleagues who share knowledge, support one another and work towards a common purpose.

What happens next?

Assessment centre dates – please check your availability before applying

Assessment centres will take place on the following dates and times:

• 9 December: 09:00–13:00
• 11 December: 14:00–18:00
• 15 December: 09:00–13:00
• 19 December: 14:00–18:00

These dates and times are fixed, with no flexibility to offer alternative sessions. Before applying, please make sure you can attend one of the sessions listed above for its full duration.

Our assessment centre gives you the chance to demonstrate your potential and learn more about the role. It includes:

• Written English and maths assessments.
• A group activity.
• A scenario-based activity.
• A competency-based interview.

You’ll also meet members of the team and have the opportunity to ask questions. Please let us know if you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment.

If you’re ready for a career built on respect, responsibility and helping others move forward, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.