Detainee Custody Officer - Gatwick DCO (Airport Based)
Salary £32,635 based on 42 hours per week. As a Detention Custody Officer you will be responsible for the safety, welfare and security of detained immigration residents in all aspects, ensuring compliance with immigration procedures and maintaining a professional and respectful environment while upholding all legal and operational standards.
Who We’re Looking For
* Respectful, caring and resilient individuals
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* A calm and non‑judgemental approach
* Great problem‑solving abilities
* The ability to stay composed under pressure
What You’ll Be Doing
* Vehicle Base: escort and transport immigration residents within the UK; drive a small minibus‑sized vehicle and ensure the safe transportation of those in your care; maintain high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect.
* Gatwick Airport DCO: provide care to immigration residents in a fixed location; maintain high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect.
This role requires flexibility; you will work a mix of day and night shifts, covering a 24/7, 365‑day operation.
No prior experience or qualifications are needed – full training and support will be provided. If you have experience handling challenging situations or working with people in distress it would be a plus.
Your journey begins with a 4‑week paid training course, including a control and restraint training course. Over the next 13 months you’ll receive on‑the‑job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.
Why Join Us?
* Work‑life balance – structured shifts with up to 1 year of advance notice.
* Career growth – start with a Level 3 Apprenticeship and move into leadership roles.
* Continued personal development with full support.
* Free parking, uniform, and 4‑week fully paid training.
* Benefits: online GP services, share options, generous holiday allowance, pension, life assurance, Reward & Recognition scheme.
* Discounts: cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships, holidays, health & wellbeing benefits, Blue Light discount card.
Essential Requirements to Apply
* UK Citizen, Commonwealth Citizen with indefinite leave to remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen.
* Valid UK passport (expired visas in out‑of‑date passports are not accepted).
* Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years, with no single absence over 3 months.
* Pass an Enhanced DBS check, employer referencing (last 5 years) and Counter‑Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting.
* Full UK manual driving licence (at least 12 months experience); fewer than 7 points and no driving bans in the last 12 months.
* Over 21 years of age.
* Important: If you do not have a valid UK passport and a full UK manual driving licence, we cannot proceed with your application.
Application Process
Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment process which includes interview, capability assessments and full vetting screening.
#J-18808-Ljbffr