Overview
Croydon Crown Court, CR0 4XH
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. We offer:
* Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs pw).
* Continuous training & development opportunities with annual salary increments (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.
* A range of health and wellbeing benefits such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans and more
* Discounts and exclusive deals across Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality categories
* A supportive team & culture focused on diversity and inclusion
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.
* Maintaining discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information discussed during court proceedings.
* Listening to harrowing testimonies and providing support to detainees while maintaining professionalism and personal wellbeing.
* Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to dietary requirements or restrictions.
* Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
* Maintaining safety and security of the court environment, responding to incidents or emergencies, and conducting searches to prevent contraband.
* Completing necessary paperwork and data entry, including logging detainee movements and incidents.
* Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.
What you need to do the job
We value commitment to making a difference. You’ll learn during our training course (5 1/2 weeks) and through experienced colleagues. Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver’s license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills to manage various situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and professionalism. You’ll be an integral part of the judicial process, helping to ensure justice is administered safely and securely. Roles 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, and all offers 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 of the organisation.
Required: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Candidates must meet minimum eligibility criteria and may need to meet immigration requirements.
* 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
At Serco, the nature of the work is important and everyone has a role to play in delivering essential public services. We are a team of 50,000 people operating globally across justice, transport, defence, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and offer flexible working where possible, with support for adjustments at interview and throughout employment.
Apply by clicking the apply button. We are open to discussing flexibility and are a Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer. Disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria will be given the opportunity to demonstrate abilities at an interview. For help with your application, please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting
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