Detention Custody Officer

Serco Limited; Gatwick; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 week training programme

224 hours annual leave

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Free on-site parking

Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day

Full uniform provided

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Serco Limited is recruiting for a Detention Custody Officer at the Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre. The role involves maintaining safety and security across the centre, building respectful relationships, and calmly de-escalating challenging situations.

You will support people from diverse backgrounds and remain hands-on and vigilant during shifts. Offered are full-time, permanent contracts with a 40-hour average work week across day and night shifts, including paid breaks on night shifts.

Qualifications

• Must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)
• Typically requires 3+ years living in the UK
• Security clearance required: Home Office CTC
• Enhanced DBS (adult and child barring)
• 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

Job description

Detention Custody Officer

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. You’ll support individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives — staying calm, showing respect, and making a real difference every day.

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‑scalate 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

What shifts look like

• 40 hours per week (average)
• Day + night shifts (6-12 hours)
• Fair, structured rota
• Paid breaks on night shifts

Location note: Limited public transport

• Ideally live within 30 miles
• Free minibus from Gatwick Airport (Atlantic House)

What you’ll getTraining and development:

• 9 week fully paid training programme
• Learn conflict resolution, communication, cultural awareness
• 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

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

Detention Custody Officer

Company: Serco Limited Salary: £30000-30000 per annum Hours: Full-time Location: Gatwick, RH6 0PQ Job type: Permanent Posting date: 22 Oct 2026 Closing date: 21 Nov 2026

Summary

Serco Limited

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. You’ll support individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives — staying calm, showing respect, and making a real difference every day.

Why this role matters

• You create a safe, secure environment
• 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‑scalate 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
• Confident handling difficult situations
• 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 getTraining and development:

• 9 week fully paid training programme
• Learn conflict resolution, communication, cultural awareness
• Clear pathways into leadership & specialist roles

Benefits:

• 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

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.