Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco; Luton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Serco as a Prisoner Custody Officer, a role that requires commitment and values your contributions. Working 24/7 with diverse responsibilities, you’ll be part of a supportive team focused on the wellbeing of detainees, while also enjoying benefits like pensions, annual leave, and various discounts.

Benefits

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing benefits (e.g., MIND, Simply Health Care)

Annual leave (rising after 7 years)

Various discounts (e.g., cinema, retail)

Qualifications

• Current valid driver’s license required.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and secure custody services.
• Accompany defendants and manage their care in court.
• Complete paperwork and data entry.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Physical Fitness

Job description

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Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a job; it’s a chance to be part of something great, join a work family where you are valued, and make a difference every day. We also offer:

• Base Salary of £, (hrs pw).
• Recognition of your contributions and growth with annual salary increments (year 2 - £, / year 3 - £, / year 4 - £,);
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance, days of annual leave (rising after 7 years’ service), plus Bank Holidays;
• A range of benefits supporting your health and wellbeing, including Employee Assistance Programme, Thrive App, MIND, Simply Health Care, Dental Plans, and more;
• Access to discounts and deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail, and Hospitality discounts;
• A supportive team and culture focused on diversity and inclusion, where you can make a positive impact.

We operate 24/7, covering various early and late shifts, hrs pw. Flexibility is essential due to the role's nature, with different working arrangements and additional hours. Some days may have unpredictable finishing times, but we provide a rota in advance to help you plan your 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, focusing on the physical and mental wellbeing of detainees.

During court, you’ll be responsible for their care until they return to custody or are released. Key duties include accompanying defendants in courtrooms and cells, searching property or individuals, ensuring food and drink are available, and completing paperwork and data entry.

What you need to do the job:

Our current PCOs come with diverse work and life experiences. What matters is your commitment to making a difference. You will learn during our 5.5-week training course and through experienced colleagues.

Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver’s license, be reasonably fit, and possess good written and verbal communication skills to manage various situations. Those interested in criminology or psychology may find this role particularly suitable.

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Our Assessment Process:

Online assessment (sent via email after application) → 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, and employment is subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory references.