Detention Custody Officer - Gatwick VB

Mitie Group plc.; Crawley; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Uniform provided

4-week paid training

Pension & Life Assurance

Blue Light discount card

Job summary

Mitie Group plc. at Gatwick Vehicle Base seeks a Detainee Custody Officer to support safety, welfare and security of detained immigration residents on-site. You will balance transport duties with care, ensuring high standards while respecting residents.

No prior experience is required; a 4-week paid training course and 13 months of mentoring lead to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody. This is a full-time on-site position with day/night shifts.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, non-judgemental approach.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to stay composed under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Escort and transport immigration residents within the UK.
• Drive a small minibus-sized vehicle and ensure safe transport.
• Maintain high security and safety standards with dignity and respect.
• Provide care to residents at a fixed location.
• Support security and safety while treating residents with respect.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Calm demeanor

Problem solving

Education

Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody

Job description

Detainee Custody Officer – Gatwick Vehicle Base

Join Us and Make a Difference

Vehicle base DCO: Salary £31,080.00 based on 40 hours per week

As a Detention Custody Officer, you will be responsible for the safety, welfare, and security of detained immigration residents in every aspect, ensuring compliance with immigration procedures and maintaining a professional and respectful environment while upholding all legal and operational standards

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for respectful, caring, and resilient individuals to join our team.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A calm and non-judgemental approach
• Great problem-solving abilities
• The ability to stay composed under pressure,

Then this could be the perfect role for you!

What You'll Be Doing

As an In-Country Escorting DCO at the Vehicle Base, you'll be responsible for:

• Escorting and transporting immigration residents within the UK
• Driving a small minibus-sized vehicle and ensuring the safe transportation of those in your care
• Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect

As an In-Country Escorting DCO at Gatwick VB DCO based you'll be responsible for:

• Providing care to immigration residents in a fixed location
• Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect

This role requires flexibility, as you will work a mix of day and night shifts, covering a 24/7, 365-day operation.

No Experience? No Problem!

No prior experience or qualifications are needed—full training and support will be provided. If you have experience handling challenging situations or working with people in distress, it would be a plus.

Your journey begins with a 4-week paid training course, including a control and restraint training course. Over the next 13 months, you'll receive on-the-job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.

Why Join Us?

Work-life balance – structured shifts for stability, up to 1 year in advance so you can plan your goals and travel.

Career growth – start with a Level 3 Apprenticeship, with opportunities for leadership roles

Continued personal developmentwithfull support given to enhance your career.

Free parking and uniform

Training: 4-week fully paid training course

A great selection of benefits incl. Access to on-line GP services, share options and a generous holiday allowance.

Pension and Life assurance

Reward & Recognition scheme.

Discounts which include cinema, online shopping discounts, leisure centre memberships, holidays, and Health & Wellbeing Benefits. AND as a DCO, you can apply for a Blue Light discount card.

Essential Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a UK Citizen, a Commonwealth Citizen with indefinite leave to remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen
• Hold a valid UK passport (expired visas in out-of-date passports cannot be accepted)
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years, with no single absence over 3 months
• Pass an Enhanced DBS check, employer referencing (last 5 years), and Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence (at least 12 months of experience)
• Have fewer than 7 points on your licence and no driving bans in the last 12 months
• Be over 21 years of age

Important: If you do not have a valid UK passport and a full UK manual car driving licence, we cannot proceed with your application.

Application Process

Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment process which includes:

• Interview
• Capability assessments
• Full vetting screening