Caring for colleagues and for inmates at a UK prison

LaurieAnn Paton’s career trajectory

LaurieAnn Paton’s experience with G4S in the UK has seen her grow from her first position as a prison Residential Custody Officer at HMP Birmingham in 2012, to her current role where she is Head of Residence at HMP Oakwood. She is responsible for 1500 prisoners and 100 employees and has successfully led local initiatives to support and nurture the talent and wellbeing of her staff teams.

It is a career she is proud of. “I was in my early twenties when I joined G4S and earned a really good salary, doing a job I absolutely loved. I was really proud to be a Custody Officer.”

Her clear enthusiasm for the job has not dimmed and she is keen to note the pivotal role of G4S in enabling her career progression, particularly with training and support. She says: “I look at myself now, a Governor grade in a prison. If it wasn’t for G4S for giving me so many opportunities to grow and progress my career, I would never be in this position.”

LaurieAnn’s experience and advice for job seekers

Recognising the importance of supporting her G4S colleagues, LaurieAnn currently runs an employee support scheme. She leads a local initiative providing staff with a cup of tea, sandwich and information on what help and support is available to them when they arrive at the prison. She explains: “During the cost-of-living crisis, rather than send an email to staff, I feel it is better if we can get in front of our them face-to-face and let them know how we can support them. If we can help one person, then we’ve done a good job, we are all human and we care about our people.”

Looking ahead LaurieAnn sees her career journey continuing with G4S. “I would love to keep progressing,” she says. “I am more than happy in my current role, but you don’t know what’s around the corner. I know there are so many more opportunities available within the organisation.”

Her advice for anyone considering a frontline role with G4S includes: “Ask yourself whether you’ve got people skills, pride in what you do and integrity. If you come in with the right attitude, talent and want to work hard and do a good job, you can go far. I am testament to that. I came in as a young woman in my 20s, keen to do well, be passionate and do a good job. I could not be more proud of where I am today.”