Meet the veteran who swapped the military for the prison service

Keith Potter became a prison officer at HMP & YOI Feltham in 2002 having previously served in the RAF for eight years as a movements operator. Keith, alongside other hard working prison staff, is playing a crucial role in supporting the prison system through challenging times, with prisons until recently close to full.

He spent 17 years on the frontline at HMP & YOI Feltham as a prison officer before progressing to Business Community Engagement Manager at the same establishment.

Staff will play a key role in rebuilding the prison system so that it is more effective at cutting reoffending rates among those leaving prison. In his current role as a Business Community Engagement Manager, Keith is responsible for upskilling offenders through education and vocational training courses and finding employment opportunities on release.

Keith, 54, said: “Being a prison officer is a demanding job, but I found the transition from the Armed Forces into the prison service relatively straightforward. Like the Armed Forces, the prison service appealed to me because it is a disciplined, rank structured, uniformed service.

“It’s understandable for people to be apprehensive when leaving the military, but as soon as I joined the prison service and I was back in a uniform, I felt at ease again. Just like it was in the Forces, the team here at HMP & YOI Feltham is close-knit and the camaraderie and teamwork helps us to overcome the more challenging days.

Comradeship

“As with the Armed Forces, there are lots of avenues for progression and specialisation depending on your interests. For example, you could become a dog handler or work in intelligence, or even physical education - to name a few. I’d recommend anyone ex-forces to consider joining – the work-life balance people may be looking for can be found here. And it’s interesting and busy, with great comradeship.

“This year I have the immense privilege and honour of being selected to represent, not only my organisation, but also the Armed Forces as a veteran at the National Service of Remembrance.”

Veterans who opt into the Government’s Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme and meet the minimum criteria will secure an interview for most externally advertised vacancies across the Civil Service. Around 550 Veterans secured jobs in the Ministry of Justice between January 2023 and March 2024 through the scheme.

Prison staff at HMP & YOI Feltham and across the country are doing an extraordinary job in challenging conditions. They will play a crucial role in supporting the prison system to make prisons safer and protect the public. You do not need qualifications to become a prison officer or to join in a support staff role. Prisons in London are looking for caring people with good communication and influencing skills and effective decision-making.

Applications for prison officer roles in London are now open. Those who would like to take the first step towards a rewarding new career can apply or find out more here - https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/?utm_campaign=prc_feltham&utm_medium=media%20&utm_source=pr