Public encouraged to consider career at HMP Berwyn

Officer Sarah Berry is part of the furniture now at HMP Berwyn, guiding hundreds of prisoners through their day-to-day life at the category C prison in north Wales. 

But this wasn’t always the plan. Sarah worked in teaching before moving into the prison service in 2016, becoming the latest person to step into the extraordinary job.

These roles – and the people who fulfil them – are at the heart of a new national Ministry of Justice (MoJ) recruitment drive this autumn.

With a range of adverts launching on television, radio and online, the spotlight is on the prison service and the jobs available across the country. 

Officer Berry, 43, joined HMP Berwyn as a prison officer and is now a Custodial Manager. 

She took part in filming for the advert and explained: “I’m really happy to see a more authentic advert for prison officer recruitment at last. 

"It’s important that new recruits know that working in a prison is noisy and busy and at times it can be very hard, both emotionally and physically.

"We do experience conflict on a daily basis, but you really can make a difference to prisoners.

Officer Sarah Berry (Image: MOJ)

"By winning their trust and respect you help them develop trust and respect for each other too, most importantly reducing their likelihood of reoffending - and that makes it all worth it. 

“I joined the prison service in 2016 after working as a secondary school teacher for 10 years. I didn’t want a 9 to 5 office job where every day is the same as it filled me with dread.

"I wanted something different as I get bored easily in office jobs. I like to make a difference. 

“If you want to be challenged and become the best version of yourself, being a prison officer is the career for you. It’s not always easy but it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever done. 

READ MORE: HMP Berwyn performing 'better than it did before the pandemic,' figures show

“My role as a Custodial Manager means I’m managing our prison officers and ensuring they’ve got the support and resources they need to do their job properly. Some days are hard, but I have such a passion for my job and love it.  

“I wanted to be part of the advert so I could help bring the next generation of prison officers through the door.” 

Working within prison or probation is not your average job. From putting out cell fires to helping improve the literacy of prisoners, taking the time to listen or rehabilitating some of the hardest-to-reach members of society, the everyday of this job is extraordinary.  

No two shifts are the same, and officers have to make on-the-spot decisions to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

A good prison officer is able to strike up a natural rapport and act as a positive influence and is willing to support their fellow officers and colleagues. Able to think on their feet, they can keep calm under pressure and make quick & effective decisions. 

And there’s also no such thing as a typical prison officer. They come from different walks of life, just like the offenders they work with, to form one team in the prison service. 

With no specific qualifications required to become a prison officer, the most important qualities are being able to communicate and be team players. 

HMP Berwyn is looking for officers to join Sarah and her team. New recruits start on a salary of £30,902 and full training will be given. 

To find out more, search Prison Jobs.