Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco Group; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays:20 days to 25

Pension: Up to 6%

Training and development

Health and wellbeing

Discounts

Job summary

Serco Group in Rushmoor Vehicle Base is seeking a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) to join Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS). You will escort detainees between prisons, police stations and courts, ensuring welfare and safety during transport.

We offer 5½ weeks of paid training and a clear progression path. A base salary is £29,205 with potential first-year income £34,805–£36,905, plus driving allowances.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence essential - B1/C1/D (as required)
• C1/D licences should ideally hold CPC / Tachograph
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Teamwork and following processes accurately

Responsibilities

• Escort detainees between prisons, police stations and courts
• Carry out vehicle and equipment checks
• Collect, search and transport detainees safely
• Monitor welfare during transport and at stops
• Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments
• Complete end-of-shift checks, reporting and documentation
• Be flexible, including extended hours and incidents response

Skills

Driving licence

Communication

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Decision making

Professionalism

Discretion

Job description

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Location:Rushmoor Vehicle Base,GU12 5QF

Join us a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) where you’ll play a key role in helping keep the justice system safe and secure. In addition to job security and stability you'll receive:

• Graduated Base Salary: £29,205 (40 hrs pw), with clear annual progression (Year 2: £29,932; Year 3: £30,496; Year 4: £31,063).
• Additional earningsthrough driving allowances (eligibility based on licence type and vehicle driven, subject to terms):
  • B/B1 License: £600 per year
  • C1 License: £2,400 per year
  • D License: £2,700 per year

When combined with base salary and average overtime (8hrs pw), this gives a potential first-year income of between £34,805 and £36,905

We operate 24/6 across early and late shifts, so flexibility is essential. Finishing times can be unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond your contracted hours to meet operational demands. Shifts are set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance, giving you visibility to plan ahead. Part-time working may be considered, but this must be across full working days, as reduced daily hours are not available.

Keep people safe. Keep justice moving.

As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a crew delivering safe and secure transport and custody services. You’ll escort detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring their welfare throughout. Depending on operational needs, you may remain at court, taking responsibility for detainees until their return to custody or release. Duties include escorting within courts and cells, searching, supporting welfare, and completing essential paperwork. Key responsibilities:

• Attend briefings and receive detainee, route, and risk details
• Carry out vehicle and equipment checks
• Collect, search, and transport detainees safely
• Monitor welfare during transport, including checks and comfort stops
• Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments
• Complete end-of-shift checks, reporting, and documentation
• Work flexibly, including extended hours and responding to incidents

What you need to do the job!

Our PCOs come from a range of backgrounds—what matters most is you are reliable, trustworthy and compassionate, committed to safeguarding and treating people with dignity and respect. In return you’ll receive full training through a 5½-week paid training, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Requirements of the role:

• Full UK driving licence essential - B1/C1/D (subject to requirements)
• C1/ D Licenses holders should ideally hold a valid CPC / Tachograph
• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Confidence managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict
• Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately
• Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality

What we offer

• Holidays:20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro rata’d)
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme (matched by Serco)
• Training and development: Structured induction (5½ weeks), ongoing learning, access to internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and a strong focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing:Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from mental health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, discount on membership at Serco-run gyms
• Discounts:Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more

Our recruitment process

• Online application inc. eligibility questions and online assessments
• Virtual assessment: Competency based interview, shortroleplayand written exercise (online)
• Initial right to work and vetting documentation checks
• Jobofferand confirmation of your training start date
  

Eligibilitychecks and further information

Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory employment references and occupational health checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All roles are subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office regulations. You must have the right to work in the UK. If you do have a visa, it must have at least two yearsremaining, and you must have at least one year’s UK residency (to enable required counter signatory checks by a recognised professional).

All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and mustcomplete the required training and follow our safeguarding policies.

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 and veterans who meet the minimum job criteria are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.

Let’s impact a better future, together.