Overview
Permanent roles offering job stability & security. Working as a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is a professional role within the justice system, focused on safety and security.
We are operational 24/6 and you’ll be expected to cover various early and late shifts with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Flexibility is essential due to a rota system and potential unpredictability in finish times. The rota is provided 12 weeks in advance.
About the Role: As a PCO at our base, you’ll work as part of a crew to provide safe and secure court transportation and custody services. You’ll collect detainees between prisons, police stations and courts, ensuring their well-being. Depending on operational requirements, you may remain at court to care for the detainee until they return to custody or are released. Duties include accompanying defendants in courtrooms and cells, searching property and people, ensuring food and drink are available, and completing paperwork and data entry.
What you need to do the job
Hold a current driver’s licence with B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable). This role suits those with interest in criminology or psychology. Training is 5 1/2 weeks. Our current PCOs come from diverse backgrounds; what matters is your commitment to making a difference.
Key Responsibilities
* Start the day early, attend briefings with assignments, prisoner details, pickup/drop-off locations and risks.
* Check handheld devices for schedules and prisoner information; perform vehicle checks.
* Collect prisoners, verify paperwork and property, search prisoners, and load them onto the vehicle.
* Monitor detainee welfare during transport, conduct cell checks, provide water, and arrange comfort stops for long journeys.
* Transport prisoners to courts and handle inter-prison transfers as needed for bed space or educational needs.
* Return to base, perform end-of-use checks, report defects, and submit documentation.
* Work beyond contracted hours due to job demands, sometimes exceeding 50 hours per week.
* Stay with prisoners admitted to hospitals and manage emergency transfers (e.g., during incidents).
What you’ll earn and benefits
* Salary of £26,745 (40 hrs pw). Training salary is £23,402 (35 hrs pw).
* Annual salary increments: Year 2 £27,411; Year 3 £27,927; Year 4 £28,446.
* Additional driving allowance for Category B1/C1 Licences: B1 £600/year; C1 £2,400/year (C1 drivers may be required to drive 6 cell vehicles, subject to terms).
* First-year potential income between £32,345 and £34,145 (dependent on licence type and overtime, based on current average of 8 hrs overtime per week).
* Pension matched up to 6%, life insurance, 20 days annual leave rising to 25 after 7 years, plus Bank Holidays.
* Discounts on Merlin Attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail and hospitality.
* Health and wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
* A supportive team and culture passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We also provide: a potential for flexible working arrangements and a hybrid approach in some areas.
What you need to succeed
* Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
* Calm and capable handling of stressful and emotionally demanding situations.
* Ability to think quickly and make effective decisions in challenging situations.
* Strong teamwork to ensure detainee safety and well-being.
* Meticulous in following protocols, conducting searches, and completing paperwork accurately.
* Adequate physical fitness to perform duties and handle long hours.
* De-escalation skills and effective behaviour management.
* High ethical standards, confidentiality and professionalism.
* Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and needs of detainees; ensuring respectful and fair treatment.
Assessment & Additional Information
* Assessment Process: Briefing call -> Competency-based virtual interview -> short role-play and written exercise.
* All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offences Act 1974. Offers subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and references.
* Not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules; consider other roles if necessary. Minimum eligibility criteria include: at least two years remaining on your current visa and at least one year in the UK for vetting purposes.
* Right-to-work guidance available; not all rights apply to all candidates.
About Serco
At Serco, every role is important in delivering essential public services. We are a diverse organisation of 50,000 people, operating globally in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We support diversity and inclusion through networks and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need help with your application, contact jicareersUK@serco.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr