A Leeds prison officer has opened up about her "challenging" role where she ultimately loves meeting new people.
Kate Sims, 34, is custodial manager at HMP Wealstun in Thorp Arch, in the LS23 North Leeds district. She's spoken about how she started her career as an officer in the prison and how rewarding it can be for new starters.
HMP Wealstun is a category C training prison for men, which accommodates up to 832 prisoners. Category C prisons holds inmates whose escape risk is considered to be low but who cannot be put in open conditions.
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Kate, originally from Knottingley, said: “I’ve always been interested in the criminal justice system and often watched prison documentaries growing up.
"When I left school, I worked as a shop assistant, bakery clerk and a debt collector, but I wanted a role that was different and challenging and offered me a career, so I decided to apply to become a prison officer.
"I’ve been working in the Prison Service for over 8 years now, having progressed from prison officer to supervising officer to custodial manager, and have never looked back. It can be challenging and like with any role, you have good days and bad days, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.
"My favourite part of the role is the people you meet and work with. You don’t need to have specific experience to make a good prison officer, if you have resilience and a desire to work within a team to protect people and make a difference to people’s lives, then this role could be for you.”
Officers help to maintain safety standards on the inside, while also ensuring ex-offenders leave with the skills and experience they need to secure a job. The prison management says it's a rewarding role where no two days are alike, allowing guards to work with a diverse group of prisoners and staff, developing a wide range of both practical and interpersonal skills.
A new drive to build a bigger and more diverse team comes following pay rises for prison service staff. You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer. HMP Wealstun is looking for people with good communication and influencing skills, effective decision-making, care and understanding.
Changes to pay mean the starting salary for Prison Officers is now 26% higher with new recruits taking home over £30,702.
Diane Lewis, Governor at HMP Wealstun says: “We have a fantastic team of staff at HMP Wealstun and they do incredible work every day. Prison Officers play an essential role in making a positive impact in vulnerable people’s lives. Working as part of a close-knit and supportive team, all helping to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce reoffending, is what makes this challenging, but rewarding, job so important.
"This job isn’t just about locking and unlocking doors – prison officers play an essential role in changing the lives of those in custody. That is why it is so important that we have officers from all backgrounds who can be positive role models for the prisoners here. This recruitment drive is an opportunity for you to invest in your future. The role can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding, and there’s no shortage of support and guidance.”
There are currently over 21,000 prison officers working across England and Wales but the service is looking for more recruits from a range of backgrounds. Applications for prison officer roles at HMP Wealstun are now open.
People who would like to take the first step towards a rewarding new career can apply or find out more by visiting https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/prison-officer
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