Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco Limited; Greater London, Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A key public service organization in Greater London is hiring a Prisoner Custody Officer to ensure the safety and wellbeing of detainees during court processes. The role involves escorting detainees, managing their needs, and maintaining security in the court environment. Ideal candidates will have good communication skills, commitment to safety, and a valid driver's license. This position offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits including a pension and ongoing training.

Benefits

Pension (matched up to 6%)

20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years)

Health and wellbeing benefits

Continuous training and development opportunities

Discounts on various services and activities

Qualifications

• Ability to manage and control situations with responsibility.
• Fit and able to carry out duties involving physical activity.
• Must have a strong emotional wellbeing to support detainees.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe escorting and custody services to detainees.
• Monitor and supervise detainees during court procedures.
• Handle sensitive court information confidentially.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Commitment to safety and security

Ability to learn quickly

Education

Current valid driver's license

Job description

Overview

Permanent roles offering job stability & security

Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a role—it's an opportunity to be part of a professional team that plays a vital role in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day.

• Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
• Continuous training & development opportunities, with annual base salary increments (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 health and wellbeing benefits such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
• Discounts and exclusive deals (e.g., Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone, Cinema, Leisure, Retail & Hospitality).
• A supportive team and culture that values diversity and inclusion.

We are operational 24/6 and you'll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key with a rota system provided 12 weeks in advance.

About the Role

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.

• 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, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Handle sensitive information from court proceedings with discretion and confidentiality; provide professional support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
• Ensure detainees have access to food and drink, catering to dietary requirements.
• Monitor detainees' mental and physical health; report concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Maintain safety and security of the court environment; respond to incidents or emergencies; conduct searches to prevent contraband.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data entry, including logging detainee movements and incidents.
• Work closely with other 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 most important attributes are commitment to making a difference and the ability to learn during a 5 1/2-week training course and through experienced colleagues. Ideally, you'll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills to manage and control situations with responsibility, vigilance, and professionalism. This role supports those with an interest in criminology or psychology.

Our Assessment Process

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

Additional Information

All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references. All staff are responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults and must follow safeguarding policies.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. If you already have a valid right to work in the UK through other routes, you must meet minimum eligibility criteria, including:

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

For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.

#PECS

About Serco

At Serco, everyone has an important role to play in delivering essential public services around the world. We are a team of 50,000 people working in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and offer networks such as SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited, and In@Serco.

Apply — Please click on the apply button to complete your application. We strive to be flexible and inclusive, and we will make reasonable adjustments at interview and in employment. We are Disability Confident Leaders and Gold Inclusive Employers. If you need help with your application, contact j&[e-mail].

Serco supports fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the Ban the Box pledge. If you want to discuss, please contact our recruitment team at j&[e-mail].