Join Our Team at Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre!
Location: Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre, RH6 0PQ
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £29,563 rising to £32,653
Are you compassionate and resilient? Are you looking for secure and meaningful work? If so, we invite you to become a Detention Custody Officer (DCO) at Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre. This isn’t just another security role; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives during some of their most challenging moments.
What You’ll Do
As a DCO, you will maintain a safe and secure environment while treating everyone with dignity and respect. The individuals in our care come from diverse backgrounds—some are awaiting asylum decisions, while others have completed prison sentences. What they all need is someone who can remain calm, professional, and empathetic, even in the most challenging situations.
This is hands-on work. You’ll be interacting with people who may be confused, frightened, angry, or distressed. Your ability to communicate clearly, de-escalate tensions, and show genuine care can truly make a difference.
Hours and Pay
* 40 hours per week on average
* A mix of day and night shifts (6-12 hours each)
* A structured rota system for fair distribution
* Starting salary of £29,563, increasing to £32,653 after 6 months
Important Note on Location: Public transport links are limited, so ideally, you should live within 30 miles of the Centre. We offer a free minibus service from Gatwick Airport (Atlantic House) for employees using public transport.
What We Offer
Training That Sets You Up for Success: You’ll complete a comprehensive 7-week training program (fully paid) covering everything from conflict resolution to cultural awareness, equipping you with the confidence and skills to handle any situation.
Room to Grow: This role can be a stepping stone to leadership positions or specialist roles within Serco. We are committed to helping our people develop their careers long-term.
Benefits Worth Having:
* 224 hours of annual leave (including bank holidays)
* Pension contributions matched up to 6%
* Free parking on site
* Paid breaks during night shifts
* Subsidised meals (plus one free meal per day)
* Full uniform provided
* Employee discounts through Serco Benefits and Blue Light Card
What We're Looking For
You don’t need previous experience in this field, but you do need:
* Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
* The ability to stay calm under pressure
* Respect for people from all backgrounds and cultures
* Physical and mental resilience
* A genuine desire to help people in difficult circumstances
Experience working with vulnerable groups or in multicultural environments would be valuable but isn’t essential.
Our Application Process
1. Step 1: Complete your online application
2. Step 2: Virtual interview (1 hour via Microsoft Teams) if shortlisted
3. Step 3: Assessment day including group exercises, fitness test, and site tour
4. Step 4: 7-week training course (full attendance is required)
Checks and Vetting
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Candidates must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
* Hold indefinite leave to remain
* Have lived in the UK for at least three years
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks and approval by the Home Office. You will be required to obtain Home Office CTC & Enhanced DBS with adult and child barring vetting clearances (which require 5 years of checkable history).
Ready to make a real difference? This work isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll be part of a team that believes everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
Apply now to start your journey with Serco!
About Serco
At Serco, the nature of our work is important, and everyone plays a vital role—from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services worldwide in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.
By joining Serco, you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks—SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability), and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). These networks are led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally, we receive a large volume of applications for our roles, and when that happens, we may bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working, operating a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holders of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
At Serco, we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge. Please reach out to our recruitment team directly to discuss any concerns.