Overview
Join to apply for the Prisoner Custody Officer role at Serco.
Permanent roles offering job stability & security.
Role
Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a professional team that plays a vital role in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day.
* Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs pw).
* Annual base salary increments with continued training & development opportunities (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.
* Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans, and more for health and wellbeing.
* 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 are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key with a rota provided 12 weeks in advance, allowing meaningful time off to enjoy what you love.
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 their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it’s time for them to return to custody or be released.
Key Duties Include
* Escorting 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 being handcuffed to the detainee.
* Monitoring and supervising detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
* Handling sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings with discretion and confidentiality.
* Listening to harrowing testimonies and providing professional support to detainees while managing personal wellbeing.
* Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, accommodating dietary requirements.
* Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
* Ensuring safety and security of the court environment, responding to incidents or emergencies, and conducting thorough searches to prevent contraband.
* Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately (detainee movements, incidents, etc.) and coordinating with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
What you need to do the job! Our current PCOs come from varied backgrounds; what matters is commitment to making a difference. You’ll learn during a 5 1/2-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 all situations. This role requires responsibility, vigilance, and professionalism. Interest in criminology or psychology may be helpful.
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, and all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults; the post holder must undertake appropriate training and work within safeguarding policies.
Required
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Applicants must meet minimum eligibility criteria including:
* 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 who has known you for that duration)
For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.
About Serco: We deliver essential public services worldwide and support diversity and inclusion; Serco employee networks include SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited, and In@Serco.
Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. We may close dates early if volumes are high and encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We support reasonable adjustments at interview and throughout employment. We are open to flexible working and are Disability Confident Leader employers. Disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria will be invited to interview. For help with your application please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com. Ban the Box: Serco supports fair access to employment for those with unspent convictions; discuss with recruitment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr