A former pub manager turned prison officer is urging people in Suffolk looking for a fresh start and new job this new year, to consider the prison service. 

With 20 years of experience in hospitality and retail, Chris Layzell, 43, now plays an important role in safeguarding the public as a Custodial Manager at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk. 

Chris works in the prisoner reception at HMP Highpoint, near Stradishall, after landing two promotions since joining five years ago. Custodial managers are the most senior uniformed officers in a prison. They manage prison activities, often across multiple departments. Responsibilities include managing people and resources.  

Chris says he's ambitious and is working towards assessments that could lead to him gaining a prison governor position. He says: "I hit the ground running, but like a lot of new recruits I had to learn very quickly.  

"I love my job. Every opportunity available I have gone for it. If you're happy to put yourself forward and with the experience you get, you can progress your career. 

"My family are very proud. They do worry sometimes but they're supportive and they know I'll make the right decisions when I come to work."    

Chris works on the reception, so manages movement of prisoners in and out of the prison. He says it's busy all the time and you need to manage and prioritise your workload, but finds the role hugely rewarding.  

He said prison life can be tough but if you are resilient and strong-minded, you get through it and there is support available. He said having character and resourcefulness were important qualities for working in a prison. He adds:  "I joined the prison service because I wanted to do something more meaningful and I wanted to do something that meant I could work with people, have a challenge and make a difference.  

"I've joked before that running a pub is like running a prison, and there are similarities and I've brought my people skills learned in the pub trade to this role. 

"Starting out as a prison officer at first is tough but once you've settled into the role it becomes easier, it's no different any other job in that respect.  

"You're often taking the burden of someone else's problems and you're in a position to help, so you have a responsibility. It encourages me to work hard to help people. 

"Those with life experience will be better positioned to take on the role. For me, I wanted stability and to be able to provide for my family. You've got to want to do the job and see it through.  

"Supportive friends and family are important. I enjoy the little wins and knowing what I've done has improved somebody's day." 

There are no previous qualifications needed to become an operational support staff or prison officer at HMP Hightpoint. Personal qualities are much more important, and all the necessary training is provided. You should have good judgement, common sense, responsibility and, above all, teamwork.  Chris adds:  "If you're thinking about having a fresh start this year and want a career that's rewarding and more fast-paced, I'd definitely recommend finding out more and applying.  

"Even if you're working in a completely different career, I've found there are so many transferrable skills that can be applied in the role of a prison officer. Just go for it. " 

HMP Highpoint is a Category C men's prison with around 1,300 prisoners across its north and south sites, located in the village of Stradishall in Suffolk, close to the town of Newmarket.  New prison officer recruits start on a salary of £32,902 and full training will be given. To find out more click here.