Since joining Serco in 2016 as a Prison Custody Officer (PCO), Temitope has pursued a path underpinned by his relentless drive to develop himself and those around him.
His career demonstrates how ambition, hard work, resilience and the right support can lead to impressive personal and professional growth.
“I’ve always looked beyond my immediate role,” Temitope explains, reflecting on his journey. He was one of the first PCOs at Serco to earn a Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. Focusing on problem-solving, the certification showcased his proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements. This led on to the Leadership Empowerment Achievement Project (LEAP), where his leadership skills were able to shine as he helped standardise induction processes for Operational Support Officers across Serco prisons. This initiative not only improved efficiency but also demonstrated Temitope’s passion for innovation and collaboration.
Temitope’s ambition extends to his role as a mentor, supporting both colleagues and prisoners to complete qualifications, including coaching an offender to achieve their own Yellow Belt certification. “I’ve mentored many colleagues who have gone on to become managers,” he says proudly. “For me, it’s about creating opportunities for others while continuing to grow myself.”
In 2019, Temitope advanced to management, focusing on staff development and operational excellence. His approach emphasises fairness, integrity, and the importance of positive engagement. “Being a Prison Officer is challenging, but it’s about understanding people and treating them with respect,” he shares. His leadership mantra -“Be firm and fair” - has become a guiding principle for him and his team.
His ambition didn’t stop there. Recently promoted to an Assistant Director, Temitope now oversees critical functions such as accommodation, prisoner well-being, catering, management of foreign nationals, and the drug treatment unit. Alongside his demanding role, he's also completed a master's degree in Applied Criminology at the University of Cambridge, funded by Serco. “Achieving this has been one of my lifelong dreams,” he says. “Serco’s support has been incredible, giving me the time and tools to succeed.”
For Temitope, the journey is far from over. His vision for the future includes mastering his current role, making meaningful impact, and continuing to climb the career ladder. “Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve given my best,” he reflects. “I want to leave every role better than I found it.”
Temitope’s advice to others considering a career at Serco is simple: seize the opportunities. “Your role as a Prison Officer is not just about locking and unlocking doors. Serco offers so much – you just have to tap into it. The progression here is real, but it’s important to drive it and have self-belief.” For those inspired by his story, Temitope’s journey highlights the power of ambition and a supportive environment to turn aspirations into achievements.