Overview
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.
Responsibilities
* Escort 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.
* Monitor and supervise detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
* Be privy to sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, including testimonies and legal arguments. Maintain discretion and confidentiality.
* Listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence, maintaining professionalism and providing support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
* Ensure detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
* Monitor the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
* Ensure the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise.
* Conduct thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
* Complete necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents, and any other relevant information.
* Work closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.
What you need to do the job
Our current PCOs come to us with different work and life experiences. What you\'ve done before doesn\'t matter; what matters is your commitment to making a difference to the lives of others. You will learn during a 5.5-week training course and through our experienced colleagues. Ideally, you\'ll have a current valid driver\'s license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills, using those skills to manage and control all situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely. Our roles would suit those with a particular interest in criminology or psychology.
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 of employment 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 the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria.
While we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria: have at least two years remaining on your current visa; have lived in the UK for at least one year, as 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, not only is the nature of the work important, but everyone has an important role to play. We are a team of 50,000 responsible for delivering essential public services worldwide in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone. By joining Serco you will have access to our Global Employee Networks and a culture focused on diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
Base Salary of £23,402 (35 hours per week), with annual 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, plus Bank Holidays. Health and wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, care plans, and discounts. Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work structures where applicable. 24/6 operations with early and late shifts; 35 hours per week on a rota basis (rotas provided 12 weeks in advance) to offer meaningful time off.
We are an equal opportunity employer and support diverse candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be offered an interview. For help with your application, contact our recruitment team.
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