Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco Group Plc; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A security services provider in the UK is seeking a Professional Custody Officer (PCO) to ensure the safe escorting and management of detainees during court proceedings. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, responsibility, and the ability to handle challenging situations. This role offers a base salary of £23,402 and the opportunity for continuous training and development in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Continuous training & development

Annual salary increments

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Employee Assistance Programme

20 days annual leave

A range of discounts and exclusive deals

Qualifications

• Current valid driver's license.
• Reasonably fit for the role.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Escort detainees to and from courtrooms.
• Monitor and supervise detainees in the dock.
• Maintain confidentiality during court proceedings.
• Ensure detainees' access to food and drink.
• Monitor mental and physical health of detainees.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to handle challenging situations

Vigilance and responsibility

Job description

As a PCO at our court, you'll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you'll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it’s time for them to return to custody or be released.

Key Duties

• Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. This may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
• Monitoring and supervising detainees while they are in the dock during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Being privy to sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, including testimonies, legal arguments, etc. Maintaining discretion and confidentiality is paramount. Being prepared to listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence, it is crucial to maintain professionalism and provide support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
• Ensuring that detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
• Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise. Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
• Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents and any other relevant information.
• Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.

What you need to do the job! Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences; what you’ve done before doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re committed to making a difference to the lives of others. During a 5½‑week training course you will learn the rest from experienced colleagues. Ideally you’ll have a current valid driver’s licence, be reasonably fit and have good written and verbal communication skills, using those skills to manage and control all situations.

This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely. Our roles would suit those who have a particular interest in criminology or psychology.

Assessment Process: Briefing call to assess eligibility > Competency‑based virtual interview > short role‑play and written exercise.

All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Whilst we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria:

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa.
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year, as the vetting process requires a counter‑signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration.

Benefits

• Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
• We believe in recognising your contributions and growth, so we offer continuous training & development opportunities and an annual base salary increment (year 2 – £23,984 / year 3 – £24,436 / year 4 – £24,890).
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance, 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and dental plans and more.
• Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts and more.
• A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.

We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover a variety of early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as the nature of the role means there are a range of different working arrangements & additional hours. Some days your finishing time may be unpredictable, but we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off to pursue the things you enjoy and love.