Detention Custody Officer

Serco Group; Crawley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid training

Annual leave 224 hours

Pension (matched up to 6%)

On-site parking

Meal subsidy

Job summary

Serco is offering a full-time, permanent role at Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre. You will maintain safety and security across the centre, build professional, respectful relationships and de-escalate challenging situations calmly. The role requires calm under pressure and strong communication with people from diverse backgrounds.

No experience? No problem. The company provides a 9-week fully paid training programme, generous benefits and clear pathways into leadership and specialist roles

Qualifications

• Must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)
• Typically requires indefinite leave to remain
• 3+ years living in the UK
• Security clearance required: Home Office CTC, DBS, 5 years checkable history

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security across the centre
• Build professional, respectful relationships
• De-escalate challenging situations calmly
• Support people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Stay alert, hands-on, and ready for anything

Skills

Calm under pressure

Active listening

Empathy

Respect for diversity

Communication

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Location: Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre (RH6 0PQ)
Schedule: Full-time, permanent, variety of shift patterns
Salary: £30,000pa, rising to £31,064pa after Graduation and rising to £34,154pa after 12 months

This isn’t just security work.It’s people work.

Why this role matters

• You treat everyone with dignity and respect


• You support people who may be scared, frustrated or vulnerable


• You rely on communication and empathy — not just authority

What you’ll actually do

• Maintain safety and security across the centre


• Build professional, respectful relationships


• De-escalate challenging situations calmly


• Support people from diverse cultures and backgrounds


• Stay alert, hands-on, and ready for anything

You’re made for this if you are…

• Calm under pressure


• Able to listen without judgement


• Respectful of every background and culture


• Motivated to help people through tough moments

No experience? No problem. If this sounds like you - you’re made for this.

What shifts look like

• 40 hours per week (average)


• Day + night shifts (6–12 hours)


• Fair, structured rota

Location note: Limited public transport

• Ideally live within 30 miles


• Free minibus from Gatwick Airport (Atlantic House)

What you’ll get

• 9 week fully paid training programme


• Clear pathways into leadership & specialist roles


• 224 hours annual leave (incl. bank holidays)


• Pension (matched up to 6%)


• Free on-site parking


• Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day


• Full uniform provided


• Employee discounts + Blue Light Card

Application process

• Online application


• 1-hour virtual interview (Teams)


• Assessment day (group tasks, fitness test, site tour)


• 9-week training (full attendance required)

Eligibility and checks (important)

• Must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)


• Typically requires:
  
  
  
  • Indefinite leave to remain
  
  
  • 3+ years living in the UK
  
  
  
  


• Security clearance required:
  
  
  
  • Home Office CTC
  
  
  • Enhanced DBS (adult and child barring)
  
  
  • 5 years checkable history
  
  
  
  

A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.


• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact j&[e-mail].