Prison Custody Officer – HMP Millsike
Location: HMP Millsike, YO41 1FZ
Salary: £37,818.90 plus benefits
Hours: Full time – average 42 hours per week across a range of shifts, including nights and weekends.
We aim to provide fair, predictable shift patterns to help support a healthy work-life balance.
Make a Real Difference Every Day
Are you looking for a career with purpose, challenge, and the opportunity to change lives?
HMP Millsike is seeking compassionate, resilient, and motivated individuals to join our team as Prison Custody Officers (PCOs). This is far more than a security role, it's an opportunity to positively influence people, support rehabilitation, and help create a safer community for everyone.
As part of a brand-new prison with a modern, progressive approach, you'll play a key role in creating a safe, respectful, and rehabilitative environment where people are supported to make meaningful changes to their lives.
No previous prison experience is required, just the right values, attitude, and commitment.
Why Join HMP Millsike?
HMP Millsike has been designed around rehabilitation, wellbeing, and reducing reoffending through evidence-based practice. We are building a diverse team of people who bring empathy, professionalism, and strong communication skills to the role.
Whether you've worked in customer service, the Armed Forces, healthcare, education, retail, social care, hospitality, or are looking for a completely new career path, your life experience could make you an excellent Prison Custody Officer.
What You'll Be Doing
As a PCO, no two days are the same. You will:
- Help maintain a safe and secure environment for prisoners, staff, and visitors
- Build positive, professional relationships with prisoners to support rehabilitation and behavioural change
- Support individuals through challenging situations using a calm and respectful approach
- Work closely with healthcare teams, probation services, and other professionals
- Promote safer custody and help reduce violence within the prison
- Supervise daily activities, routines, and work placements
- Encourage prisoners to develop skills, responsibility, and resilience ahead of release
- Respond confidently and professionally in dynamic situations
What We're Looking For
We are looking for people who are:
- Excellent communicators with strong interpersonal skills
- Calm, confident, and able to remain professional under pressure
- Empathetic and respectful while maintaining clear professional boundaries
- Passionate about fairness, inclusion, and rehabilitation
- Reliable team players with strong personal integrity
- Physically and mentally resilient in a dynamic working environment
What You'll Receive
We believe in rewarding and supporting our people. Benefits include:
- Competitive salary of £37,818.90
- Comprehensive paid training programme
- Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Health and wellbeing support services
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Overtime opportunities
- Free onsite parking, including EV charging points
- Free access to onsite gym facilities
- Free meal during shifts from our subsidised staff canteen
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Discount Card
Full Training Provided – No Experience Needed
If successful, you'll complete our fully funded 9-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at HMP Millsike, designed to give you the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in the role.
The programme includes:
7 Weeks Classroom-Based Learning
Covering key areas such as:
- First Aid at Work
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Restorative Practice
- Conflict Management
- Control & Restraint Training
2 Weeks Practical Shadowing
Gain real experience alongside experienced Prison Custody Officers and develop an understanding of daily prison operations.
Please note: 100% attendance is required throughout the training programme.
Essential Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be eligible to work in the UK. Please not that this role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current immigration rules.
- Have a good standard of Maths and English (assessed during recruitment).
- Have a moderate level of physical fitness (assessed during recruitment).
- Meet the required eyesight and hearing standards for the role.
- Be able to pass HMPPS security clearance checks, including:
- 10-year employment/activity history
- Financial checks
- Social media screening
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Travel Information
HMP Millsike is located in a rural area with limited public transport links. Due to fixed shift times aligned to prison operational requirements, access to your own transport is highly beneficial.
Start a Career That Matters
Every day as a Prison Custody Officer is an opportunity to protect the public, support rehabilitation, and help people make positive changes.
If you're ready for a rewarding career where you can genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
