Overview
Permanent roles offering job stability & security. Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) contributes to safety and security within the justice system. We offer:
* Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs pw).
* Annual salary increments with base salary progression (year 2 - £26,658; year 3 - £27,260; year 4 - £27,882).
* Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
* A range of health and wellbeing benefits (Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, Dental Plans, and more).
* Discounts and exclusive deals (Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone, Cinema, Leisure, Retail, Hospitality, and more).
* A supportive team & culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
We operate 24/6 and work various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key due to the nature of the role; there are different working arrangements and additional hours. The rota is provided 12 weeks in advance to help you plan meaningful time off.
About the Role
As a PCO at our court, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings you’ll manage detainees until they return to custody or are released. Key duties include:
* Escort defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. This may involve handcuffing the detainee.
* Monitor and supervise detainees in the docks during court sessions, ensuring security and safety.
* Maintain discretion and confidentiality of sensitive information discussed during court proceedings.
* Provide professional support to detainees when listening to harrowing testimonies, while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
* Ensure detainees have access to food and drink and cater for dietary requirements.
* Monitor detainees’ mental and physical health, reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
* Maintain court safety and security, respond to incidents, conduct searches to prevent contraband.
* Complete necessary paperwork and data entry, logging detainee movements and incidents.
* Work closely with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth operations.
What you need to do the job
Current PCOs come from diverse backgrounds; what you’ve done before matters less than your commitment to making a difference. You’ll learn in a 5½-week training course and through experienced colleagues. Ideally you’ll have a valid driver’s license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills to manage situations with professionalism and care. This role requires responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations. This role may suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology.
Assessment & Additional Information
Assessment Process: Briefing call to assess eligibility → Competency-based virtual interview → short role-play and written exercise.
Additional Information: All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child) and satisfactory employment references. All staff must safeguard and promote welfare of children and vulnerable adults; training and adherence to safeguarding policies are required.
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Candidates with valid right to work through other routes must meet minimum eligibility criteria:
* Have at least two years remaining on your current visa
* Have lived in the UK for at least one year (vetting requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional with that duration)
For general right-to-work guidance, visit the UK Home Office website.
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About Serco
At Serco, every role matters. We are a team of 50,000 delivering essential public services globally in defense, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We support diversity and inclusion through employee networks and offer flexible and inclusive working arrangements. We are Disability Confident Leader employers and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria will be invited to interview. For help with your application, contact jicareersUK@serco.com.
Serco supports fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the “Ban the Box” pledge. Some roles may be exempt due to security requirements. Please contact the recruitment team to discuss.
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