Detention Custody Officer

Mitie Group plc.; Hatton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the UK is seeking a Detainee Custody Officer based at Heathrow Airport. In this role, you'll be responsible for escorting and transporting immigration residents while maintaining high safety standards. Applicants must be UK citizens or Commonwealth citizens, hold a valid driving license, and pass background checks. The position requires flexibility with day and night shifts and offers a structured career path with comprehensive training and benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Online GP services

Discounts on leisure memberships

Pension and life assurance

Qualifications

• Be a UK Citizen or a Commonwealth Citizen with indefinite leave to remain.
• Hold a valid UK passport; expired visas are not accepted.
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years.
• Pass an Enhanced DBS check and Counter-Terrorist Check.
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence with experience.

Responsibilities

• Escort and transport immigration residents within the UK.
• Drive a small minibus-sized vehicle safely.
• Provide care to immigration residents in a fixed location.
• Maintain high security and safety standards.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving abilities

Ability to stay composed under pressure

Job description

Overview

Detainee Custody Officer – Heathrow DCO Airport Based. Gatwick Airport DCO: Salary £32,635 based on 40 hours per week.

We’re looking for respectful, caring, and resilient individuals to join our team. If you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, a calm and non-judgemental approach, great problem-solving abilities, and the ability to stay composed under pressure, this could be the perfect role for you.

Responsibilities

• Heathrow Airport: 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.
• Gatwick Airport: 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.

Training & Apprenticeship

• Four-week paid training course, including a control and restraint training course.
• Over the next 13 months, on-the-job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.
• Full training and support provided; no prior experience or qualifications required.

Why Join Us

• Work-life balance with structured shifts; planning up to 1 year in advance.
• Career growth starting with a Level 3 Apprenticeship and opportunities for leadership roles.
• Continued personal development with full support; access to benefits including online GP services, share options, generous holiday allowance, pension and life assurance, and a rewards scheme.
• Discounts on cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships, holidays, health and wellbeing benefits; Blue Light discount card for DCOs.

Essential Requirements

• 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 or 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); fewer than 7 points and no driving bans in the last 12 months.
• Be over 21 years of age.
• Not be under the influence of any substance that may impair duties; this includes THC-based prescriptions; discuss any medication with us during recruitment.
• We are committed to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010; random drug and alcohol testing is part of safety and compliance.
• 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 including an interview, capability assessments, and full vetting screening.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and start your journey with us!