Chichester Crown Court, PO19 1SX
Permanent roles offering job stability & security
Role
Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is a role in a professional team that plays a vital part in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day.
We offer:
* Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
* Continuous training & development opportunities with annual base salary increments (year 2 - £23,984 / year 3 - £24,436 / year 4 - £24,890).
* Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
* Employee wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
* Discounts and exclusive deals (Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone, Cinema, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts, and more).
* A supportive team and culture focused on diversity and inclusion.
We are operational 24/6 and work a rota with early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key with various working arrangements and additional hours. Some finishing times may be unpredictable, but the rota is provided 12 weeks in advance to help you plan meaningful time off.
About the Role
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you’ll manage detainees until they return to custody or are released. Key duties include:
* Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other court areas, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety (handcuffs may be used).
* Monitoring and supervising detainees in the docks during court sessions to maintain security.
* Handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining professionalism; supporting detainees while managing your own wellbeing.
* Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink and catering to dietary requirements.
* Monitoring detainees’ mental and physical health and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
* Maintaining court safety and security, responding to incidents, and conducting searches to prevent contraband.
* Completing paperwork and data entry accurately, logging movements and incidents, and coordinating with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
What you need to do the job – We value commitment to making a difference. You’ll learn during a 5.5-week training course. Ideally you’ll have a current valid driver’s license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills. This role requires responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism. The role may suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology.
Our 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. Offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory references. Staff have a responsibility to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and must follow safeguarding policies.
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Some candidates may be eligible for other roles. Minimum eligibility criteria include: two years remaining on your current visa and at least one year of residence in the UK for vetting purposes.
For general right-to-work guidance, visit the UK Home Office website.
About Serco – Serco is a global public services provider with a workforce of around 50,000 people delivering services in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We support diversity and inclusion and offer networks for employees to connect.
Apply – Please click apply to complete your application. We sometimes close early due to high application volumes, so apply promptly. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and will make reasonable adjustments at interview and throughout employment. We are open to flexible and hybrid working arrangements and are Disability Confident Leader employers and holders of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard.
Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview. For help with your application please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Serco by 2x. Get notified about new Detention Officer jobs in West Sussex, England, United Kingdom.
#J-18808-Ljbffr