Join Our Team as a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (PCO)
Location: Bristol Vehicle Base, BS11 8HT
Type: Permanent roles offering job stability & security.
Are you ready to make a difference? Working as a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in the justice system. Here’s what we offer:
* Competitive Salary: £26,745 (40hrs pw). Training salary is £23,402 (35hrs pw).
* Annual Salary Increments: Year 2 - £27,411, Year 3 - £27,927, Year 4 - £28,446.
* Additional Driving Allowance:
o B1 = £600 per year
o C1 = £2,400 per year (C1 License holders must drive 6 cell vehicles – subject to further terms).
* Potential First-Year Income: Between £32,345 & £34,145 (depending on license type and overtime).
* Benefits:
o Pension (matched up to 6%)
o Life insurance
o 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years) plus Bank Holidays
o Discounts on Merlin Attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail, and hospitality
o Health and wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, and Dental Plans
Working Conditions
We operate 24/6, and you’ll be expected to cover various early and late shifts, with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Flexibility is essential, as the nature of the role involves a variety of working arrangements and additional hours. Your finishing time may be unpredictable, but our rota system, provided 12 weeks in advance, allows you to plan ahead and enjoy meaningful time off.
About the Role
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a crew to provide safe and secure court transportation and custody services. Your responsibilities will include:
* Starting your day with briefings to receive assignments, including details on prisoners and specific risks.
* Checking handheld devices for schedules and prisoner information, and completing vehicle checks.
* Collecting prisoners from various locations, verifying paperwork, and ensuring their well-being during transport.
* Transporting prisoners to courts and handling inter-prison transfers.
* Returning to the vehicle base to perform end-of-use checks and report any defects.
* Staying with prisoners admitted to hospitals and managing emergency transfers.
What You Need to Succeed
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds. What matters most is your commitment to making a difference. You’ll need:
* A current driver's licence, B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable).
* Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
* Capability to handle stressful situations with composure.
* Strong decision-making skills in challenging scenarios.
* Meticulous attention to detail in following protocols and completing paperwork.
* Physical fitness to perform duties that may involve restraining detainees.
* High ethical standards and a commitment to confidentiality.
* Sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds of detainees.
Our Assessment Process
We value your potential! Our assessment includes:
* 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 offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules.
About Serco
At Serco, we believe in the importance of our work and the role each team member plays. With a workforce of 50,000, we deliver essential public services globally. By joining us, you’ll have access to our Global Employee Networks, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re excited about this opportunity, click the apply button to complete your application. We encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the hiring process.
Join us in making a difference!