Prison Officer

A Career as a Prison Custody Officer at HMP Millsike

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Are you looking for a career with purpose, challenge and the opportunity to change lives?

At HMP Millsike, our Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) play a vital role in creating a safe, respectful and rehabilitative environment where individuals are supported to make positive changes in their lives.

This is far more than a security role. Every day, you'll have the opportunity to influence behaviour, support rehabilitation and contribute to a safer community.

No two days are ever the same. The role can be challenging, rewarding and incredibly meaningful, offering the chance to make a genuine difference whilst developing valuable skills and building a long-term career.

Why Join HMP Millsike?

HMP Millsike is one of the UK's newest prisons, designed with rehabilitation, wellbeing and reducing reoffending at its heart.

As part of Mitie Care & Custody, we're building a diverse team of people who bring empathy, professionalism, resilience and strong communication skills to work every day.

We're not looking for people with prison experience. We're looking for people with the right values and attitude.

Many of our colleagues have previously worked in:

Retail
Customer service
Healthcare
Social care
Hospitality
Education
The Armed Forces
Security
Transport and logistics
Administrative roles

Your life experience could make you an excellent Prison Custody Officer.

What Makes a Great Prison Custody Officer?

Successful Prison Custody Officers come from all walks of life, but they often share similar qualities:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Resilience and determination
Empathy and compassion
Integrity and professionalism
The ability to remain calm under pressure
Confidence to challenge inappropriate behaviour
Good judgement and decision-making skills
A commitment to fairness, inclusion and teamwork

If you enjoy working with people, solving problems and making a positive impact, this could be the career you've been looking for.

What Does the Role Involve?

As a Prison Custody Officer, you'll play an important part in maintaining safety, supporting rehabilitation and helping people work towards a better future.

Your responsibilities may include:

Keeping People Safe

Maintaining a safe and secure environment for prisoners, staff and visitors
Conducting welfare and security checks
Supervising prisoner movements and daily activities
Responding professionally to incidents and emergencies

Supporting Rehabilitation

Building positive professional relationships with prisoners
Encouraging positive behaviour and challenging poor behaviour appropriately
Supporting individuals through difficult situations
Helping prisoners engage with education, work and rehabilitation programmes

Working as Part of a Team

Working alongside healthcare teams, education providers and partner agencies
Communicating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
Promoting safer custody and reducing violence within the prison
Supporting the smooth delivery of the daily prison regime

One thing often surprises candidates: the role is much more about people than they expect.

Whilst security is a fundamental part of the role, much of your day will involve communication, problem-solving, relationship building and supporting positive change.

What Are the Challenges?

Prison environments can be demanding and unpredictable.

You may encounter challenging behaviour, difficult conversations or situations that require you to think quickly and remain calm under pressure.

However, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. You will be supported by experienced colleagues, managers and trainers who want you to succeed.

What Are the Rewards?

Many of our Prison Custody Officers tell us the most rewarding part of the role is seeing the positive impact they have on people's lives.

You may help someone:

Build confidence
Engage with education
Develop skills for employment
Reconnect with family
Make better choices for the future

Those moments matter, and they can have a lasting impact on both individuals and the wider community.

Full Training Provided

No previous prison experience is required.

If successful, you'll complete our fully-funded 9-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at HMP Millsike, designed to provide the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the role.

Your Training Includes

7 Weeks Classroom-Based Learning

Covering key topics such as:

First Aid at Work
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Restorative Practice
Conflict Management
Control and Restraint Training

2 Weeks Practical Shadowing

You’ll work alongside experienced Prison Custody Officers, gaining valuable insight into daily prison operations and building confidence in a real operational environment.

What You’ll Receive

We believe in recognising and rewarding our people.

As a Prison Custody Officer at HMP Millsike, you’ll benefit from:

Salary of £37,818.90
42 hours per week
Comprehensive paid training programme
Ongoing career development opportunities
33 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
Health and wellbeing support services
Free onsite parking, including EV charging points
Free access to onsite gym facilities
Free meal during shifts from our subsidised canteen
Blue Light Discount Card eligibility
Access to Mitie's MiDeals discount platform
Salary Finance financial wellbeing support
Flexible benefits through the Choices platform
Recognition through the Mitie Stars reward programme

Could This Be Your Next Career?

Starting a new career can feel daunting, especially if you've never considered working within a prison before.

At HMP Millsike, we are looking for people with potential, not necessarily people with previous prison experience.

If you're resilient, professional, compassionate and looking for a career where you can genuinely make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Mitie at HMP Millsike and help shape futures, support rehabilitation and create safer communities.

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