Detention Custody Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

224 hours annual leave

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Free on-site parking

Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day

Full uniform provided

Employee discounts + Blue Light Card

Job summary

Serco at Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre is recruiting security officers to help maintain safety and security while treating every person with dignity and respect. The role includes day and night shifts, supervised by structured training and clear progression paths.

You will complete a 9-week fully paid training programme, learn conflict resolution, cultural awareness, and have pathways into leadership and specialist roles. A strong emphasis on inclusion and safety pervades the program.

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
• 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

Skills

Calm under pressure

Active listening

Conflict handling

Cultural sensitivity

Motivated to help

Job description

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 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-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
• 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
• 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 Get

Training 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
• Online assessment (this will take approximately 30 minutes to complete)
• 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].