Every year, up to 6000 Australian Defence Force members transition out of the military back into civilian life. Some are preparing for a well-earned retirement, while others are ready to embark on the next chapter of their career. Tommy James is one of these people, having joined Serco in January 2020 as a Correctional Case Officer supporting the opening of Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA).
As a former Fire Support and Heavy Weapons Operator in the British Army’s Infantry, when Tommy relocated to Australia following his defence service, he brought with him a wealth of expertise and personal experience navigating complex, high-security settings which require adaptability, resilience and seamless team collaboration. First honing his skills and resourcefulness working in the Australian outback, Tommy quickly found his place when he joined Serco as part of the corrections team that opened Australia’s newest and largest prison in July 2020.
“What initially drew me to the corrections field was the chance to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. Working in corrections allows me to contribute to public safety and rehabilitation efforts,” Tommy said.
Now a member of the Immediate Action Team (Incident Response) at CLA, Tommy shared that his role enables him to remain effective and responsive in a dynamic environment, ensuring the highest standards of correctional management are met daily.
“Joining Serco provided an opportunity to leverage my skills in a structured environment focused on innovation and excellence in corrections. The company’s commitment to improving outcomes for inmates and supporting staff aligns with my values, making it an ideal fit for my career.”
An integral part of Serco’s CLA team, Tommy is focused on ensuring the best outcomes for inmates, staff and the community through his service on the ground at the centre. Taking immense pride in his work, across his five years with Serco, Tommy has also successfully completed Security Operations Group and Emergency Operator courses, and continues to be dedicated to continuous learning, growth and practice improvement.
As a former soldier, this ANZAC Day, Tommy shared how deeply and profoundly his team, his work and the opportunity to commemorate ANZAC Day surrounded by colleagues onsite brings meaning.
For Tommy, ANZAC Day is, “a time to honour the bravery and sacrifice of our comrades from Australia and New Zealand, reflecting on shared values and experiences.
“Being with my colleagues adds a sense of camaraderie and respect, reinforcing our commitment to service and remembrance. This day strengthens our bonds and reminds us of the importance of unity and dedication in our roles.”
Serco is proud to employ many of our former defence personnel in diverse roles across our operations in Australia and New Zealand. Every day, our veterans help us impact a better future by applying their skillsets across complex settings, from training the next generation of Navy officers to ensuring our correctional centres help reduce reoffending, ensure community safety and support inmate rehabilitation.
This ANZAC Day we thank Tommy and all the ex-service men and women at CLA for their incredible passion, dedication and service to our community, those in our care and their colleagues.