Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco Limited; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public services company in the UK is seeking a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) to ensure the safety and security of detainees in the judicial system. This permanent role involves escorting detainees, monitoring their wellbeing, and maintaining court security. Applicants should have a driver's license and strong communication skills. Competitive salary ranges from £26,124 to £28,645, with various benefits such as leave entitlements and health support.

Benefits

Pension matched up to 6%

Life insurance

20-25 days annual leave

Health and wellbeing support

Discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Current valid driver’s license.
• Reasonable fitness to manage situations.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Escort defendants to various areas securely.
• Monitor detainees during court sessions.
• Ensure safety in the court environment.
• Complete paperwork accurately.

Skills

Responsibility

Vigilance

Professionalism

Communication skills

Fitness

Job description

Overview

Serco Limited is offering permanent roles with stability and security. The role is Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS).

Base Salary: £26,124 (35 hours per week). In addition, there are training and development opportunities and annual salary increments: £26,986 (year 2), £27,803 (year 3), £28,645 (year 4). Benefits include a pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave rising to 25 after 7 years’ service plus Bank Holidays; health and wellbeing support such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans; discounts ( Merlin Attractions, mobile, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality); and a supportive, diverse, inclusive culture. The role operates 24/6 with early and late shifts (35 hours per week) on a rotating rota supplied 12 weeks in advance. Flexibility is required and some finishing times may be unpredictable.

Role and Responsibilities

• Escort 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.
• Monitor and supervise detainees in the docks during court sessions to maintain security and reduce risk.
• Hold and manage sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
• Listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies professionally and support detainees while managing personal wellbeing.
• Ensure detainees have access to food and drink and cater to dietary requirements.
• Monitor detainees’ mental and physical health, report concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensure safety and security of the court environment and respond to incidents or emergencies; conduct thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements and incidents.
• Work closely with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.

What you need to do the job

We welcome applicants with varied work and life experiences. The essential aspects are commitment to making a difference and willingness to undertake a 5.5-week training course and learn from experienced colleagues. A current valid driver’s license, reasonable fitness, and good written and verbal communication skills are desirable for managing and controlling situations. The role requires responsibility, vigilance, professionalism, and the ability to handle challenging scenarios. It may suit those with interests in criminology or psychology.

• Need for a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and professionalism.
• Integral part of the judicial process to ensure safety and security.

Assessment Process

Briefing call to assess eligibility, competency-based virtual interview, short role-play and a written exercise.

Additional Information

• All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references.
• Staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote welfare of children and vulnerable young adults; appropriate safeguarding training and policies must be understood and followed.
• This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules due to salary or skill level criteria. Applicants with valid right to work in the UK through other routes must meet the minimum eligibility criteria: at least two years remaining on current visa and UK residence of at least one year for vetting.

For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website. Applications may close early due to volume. At Serco we support diversity, inclusion, flexibility and reasonable interview adjustments. For help with your application, contact [e-mail]. We encourage applications from diverse candidate pools and support disability-conscious hiring practices.

About Serco

Serco is a global services company employing about 50,000 people delivering essential public services in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We promote diversity and inclusion and offer employee networks such as SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited and In@Serco. We are a Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer.

Apply: Click the apply button to begin your application. If you need adjustments at interview or during employment, we will accommodate where possible. For questions, contact [e-mail].