Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco

Isleworth

On-site

GBP 26,026 - 28,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual increments

Pension scheme

20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts on various services

Job summary

A leading public service provider in the UK is seeking a Prisoner Custody Officer to join their team in ensuring safety and security during court proceedings. This full-time position offers a base salary of £26,026 with annual increments, and a supportive work environment focused on diversity and inclusion. Ideal candidates should possess good communication skills and resilience. Training will be provided.

Qualifications

Committed to making a difference in the justice system.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism.

Responsibilities

Provide custody services to detainees during court proceedings.
Maintain the safety and security of court environments.
Monitor the mental and physical wellbeing of detainees.

Skills

Communication skills

Vigilance

Emotional resilience

Physical fitness

Job description

Isleworth Crown Court, TW7 5LG

Permanent roles offering job stability & security.

Role

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.

What We Offer

Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs per week).
Annual salary increments (Year 2 – £26,658 / Year 3 – £27,260 / Year 4 – £27,882).
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.
Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.

Shift Pattern

Operational 24/6; you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs per week. Flexibility is key as there are a range of different working arrangements and additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable, but we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.

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.

Key Duties Include

Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety; may involve being handcuffed.
Monitoring and supervising detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
Handling sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings; maintaining discretion and confidentiality is paramount.
Listening to harrowing testimonies and evidence; maintaining professionalism and providing support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to dietary requirements.
Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting concerns.
Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to incidents or emergencies; conducting thorough searches to prevent contraband.
Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging movements, incidents, and 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 and life experiences; what matters is that you’re committed to making a difference. You will learn during our 5½‑week training course and through experienced colleagues. Ideally, you’ll hold a current valid driver’s licence, be reasonably fit, and possess good written and verbal communication skills to manage and control all situations. The role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. It suits those with an interest in criminology or psychology.

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. Offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory references.

All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults. The post holder must undertake appropriate safeguarding training and work within the organisation’s safeguarding policies.

Required

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. Policies apply to right‑to‑work: Applicants must have at least two years remaining on their current visa and have lived in the UK for at least one year, with a counter‑signatory from a recognised professional who has known them for that duration.

About Serco

At Serco, we deliver essential public services in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are committed to redesigning and improving public services, promoting diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is supported by global employee networks (SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited, In@Serco). We are Disability Confident and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard.

Apply

Please click the apply button to complete your application. We receive a large volume of applications; closing dates may be moved forward, so apply promptly. We are committed to building a diverse inclusive organisation and will make reasonable adjustments during the interview process. If you need help with your application, contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.

Seniority Level