Profiles

Governor, HMP OPen Estate 'When I joined the service in 1995, one of the main reasons I took the plunge, was the fact that I didn't want to keep asking myself: "If only!" Operations Officer, HMP Aberdeen 'I used to work as an administration assistant for the SPS, I saw the wrok the officers did and wanted to try it too.  The challenges are hugely varied and the ability to communicte effectively with people from all different backgrounds and culture is a massive part of the job.' ........ 'Three words I would use to sum up my view of being a Prison Officer?... challenging, interesting and rewarding' 'There is no such thing as an average day' 'The main challenge is recognising which approach to take with a prisoner.  Knowing this can be the difference between defusing a situation or escalating it' 'What are the rewards? - a sense of achievement, the feeling that you make a difference.  The rewards are as varied as the challenges.  The organisation is very good at recognising extra effort and rewarding it.' 'The difference between the SPS and other organisations I have worked for? - more career definition and pay progression, clear goals to be achieved'