Detention Custody Officer

Serco; Ravensden; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension

Free parking

Subsidised meals

Uniform provided

Employee discounts

Job summary

Serco is recruiting a Detention Custody Officer for Yarls Wood Immigration Centre. The role offers a challenging environment with 40 hours per week across day and night shifts, plus a fully structured rota and paid breaks.

Training is provided, including a seven-week programme, with progression opportunities into leadership roles. Salary starts at £31,000 with progression to £32,000 after probation and £35,000 after two years of service.

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

Job description

Detention Custody Officer (DCO)

Location: Yarls Wood Immigration Centre, MK44 2FQ

Schedule: Full-time, permanent, variety of shift patterns

Salary: £31,000 per annum, rising incrementally to £32,000 (upon successful completion of 6 month probationary period) and £35,000 upon 2 years of service.

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

You’ll support people 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-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

What You’ll Get

Training and development:

• 7 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)
• 7-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).