Alan Thomas

As a Prison officer, I have many roles and responsibilities, including but not limited to the following;

• Maintaining order: Keeping prisoners safe and secure, and responding to emergencies and disturbances
• Supervising prisoners: Ensuring prisoners comply with rules and regulations, and assessing their behaviour and rehabilitation needs
• Conducting searches: Regularly searching prisoners, their living quarters, and visitors to prevent contraband and unauthorised activities
• Managing access: Ensuring only authorised people enter or exit the prison
• Supporting rehabilitation: Helping prisoners achieve their rehabilitation goals, and providing support during key working sessions
• Maintaining records: Keeping detailed records and writing reports
• Promoting safety and security: Promoting anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies, and being aware of mental health issues
• Escorting prisoners: Taking prisoners to and from various locations within the prison but also external escorts to places like hospitals where we will be in the public domain
• Patrolling: Patrolling the buildings and grounds

As a Prison officer I need to be able to work in a place where strict rules must be followed, and treat prisoners with dignity and without discrimination. I also need to have good communication and listening skills, and be able to remain calm under pressure.

I joined the British Army at the age of 18, shortly after attending sixth form. I joined as a Rifleman of the 1st Battalion of The Royal Green Jackets and then after an amalgamation in 2007 continued my infantry career with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles. During my time in the military I deployed 7 times on operational tours including Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. I also travelled with the army to other locations around the world including the USA, Canada, Belize, Mexico and Kenya. I got to meet various people from very different walks of life and I believe I tried to understand their way of life and their cultures.

The primary role of an infantry soldier is to engage in direct combat with enemy forces on the ground. They are the primary fighting force in the military and are trained to operate in a variety of combat scenarios.

Infantry soldiers are responsible for:

• Protecting the nation
• Infantry soldiers are trained to be ready for any challenge, including fighting enemies, preventing conflict, and dealing with disasters.
• Infantry soldiers are foot soldiers whose objective is to seize and hold ground, and sometimes occupy enemy territory.
• Infantry soldiers are often used to pursue enemy forces in constricted terrain, such as urban areas, where faster forces are unable to go.
• Engage in peace keeping missions and working with local communities to ensure a better and safer life for them.

As an Infantry soldier I deployed quite often, I would undergo rigorous training that included combat skills, marksmanship, physical conditioning, tactical manoeuvres, and survival techniques.

As an Infantry soldier I was highly trained with a wide range of weapons, vehicles, communications systems, and tactics.

During my time in the British Army, I also undertook two unique roles.

Company Stores 2IC (Second-in-Command)
British Army

Acted as the deputy lead for Company Stores operations, developing key logistics and inventory management skills applicable to warehouse and supply chain environments. Managed a small team responsible for the tracking, issuing, and maintenance of essential military equipment, including weapons and ammunition. During operational deployments, ensured consistent and timely resupply to patrol bases and outstations, enabling frontline units to maintain operational effectiveness. Maintained strict accountability and control procedures, contributing to operational readiness and logistical efficiency.

Team Leader – Recruitment and Regimental Support Team
British Army – London and South of England

Led a team of up to 8 Riflemen tasked with supporting recruitment efforts for the British Army and wider Armed Forces. Responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engagement activities in collaboration with schools, colleges, local councils, and other community organizations. Successfully delivered recruitment events across London and the South of England, enhancing public awareness and promoting careers within the military. Ensured the team maintained a professional image and consistently met engagement objectives.

During the summer of 2018, I started walking some of my friends dogs and taking care of their pets whilst they were away for short trips or holidays, this then grew and I attracted more people in the local community looking for animal care. This led me to create Alan's Pet Services in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Alan's Pet Services offered professional and fully trained care for all family animals predominantly canines in the local area. This included dog walking, doggy daycare and also home visits.

We encouraged good canine behaviour and ensured all are animals were begin treated correctly, promoted good animal health and also offered training where required.

I conducted initial meet-and-greets with our clients to build a professional relationship based on trust and also followed specific instructions from dog owners, ensuring personalised care.

I always acted professionally and kept up to date with changes to policies and laws surrounding the animal care industry especially during the Covid pandemic.