Overview
Join to apply for the Prisoner Custody Officer role at Serco.
Location: Westminster Magistrates Court, NW1 5BR. Permanent roles offering job stability & security.
Role
Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is a professional role in the justice system, focused on safety and security every day. We offer:
* Base Salary of £26,124 (35hrs pw).
* Annual salary progression after training (year 2 - £26,986; year 3 - £27,803; year 4 - £28,645).
* Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
* Health and wellbeing benefits (Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, dental plans, and more).
* Discounts and exclusive deals (Merlin Attractions, mobile, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, and more).
* A supportive team and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
We are operational 24/6. You’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexible working arrangements and additional hours with a 12-week advance rota.
What you’ll do
As a PCO at our court, you’ll work to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Key duties include:
* Escort defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas; may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
* Monitor detainees in the docks during court sessions, ensuring security and risk management.
* Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information discussed during proceedings.
* Provide support to detainees while managing your own wellbeing.
* Ensure detainees have access to food and drink and cater to dietary needs.
* Monitor health needs of detainees and report concerns.
* Ensure safety and security of the court environment; conduct searches to prevent contraband.
* Complete necessary paperwork and data entry, logging movements and incidents.
* Collaborate with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth operations.
What you need to do the job
Applicants come from diverse backgrounds. You’ll learn during a 5 1/2-week training course. Requirements often include a current valid driving license, reasonable fitness, good written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to manage challenging situations with professionalism and care. A strong interest in criminology or psychology can be advantageous.
Assessment Process
Briefing call to assess eligibility, competency-based virtual interview, followed by a 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 Barring) and satisfactory references. All staff must safeguard and promote welfare of children and vulnerable adults and follow safeguarding policies. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Minimum eligibility criteria include: two years remaining on your current visa and UK residency of at least one year.
For general right-to-work guidance, visit the UK Home Office website.
About Serco
Serco is a global services company delivering essential public services in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We support diversity and inclusion through networks such as SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited, and In@Serco. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments at interview and throughout employment, and encourage applications from diverse candidate pools. Details on accessibility and flexibility can be discussed during the process.
Apply
Please click the apply button to complete your application. We may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. Serco is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants. For help with your application, contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
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