Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Prisoner Custody Officer, where your role is crucial in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of detainees. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives while working within a supportive and diverse team. With a competitive salary and continuous training opportunities, you will be well-equipped to handle the challenges of this rewarding role. The job involves escorting detainees, managing their care during court proceedings, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. If you are committed to making a positive impact and are looking for a fulfilling career, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Continuous training & development opportunities

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Life insurance

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

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts on attractions and services

Qualifications

• Commitment to making a difference is essential.
• 5 1/2-week training course will cover necessary skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and secure escorting & custody services to detainees.
• Accompany defendants in court and ensure their wellbeing.

Skills

Good written communication skills

Good verbal communication skills

Physical fitness

Interest in criminology

Interest in psychology

Job description

Milton Keynes Magistrates Court

Salary: £22,502

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

• Base Salary of £22,502 (35hrs pw)
• Continuous training & development opportunities with annual base salary increments (year 2 - £23,062 / year 3 - £23,469 / year 4 - £23,933)
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans, and more.
• Access to discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, and more.
• A supportive team & culture that values diversity and inclusion.

We are operational 24/6, covering various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key, as the nature of the role involves different working arrangements & additional hours. Rota is provided 12 weeks in advance, allowing 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 & custody services to detainees, focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing.

During court, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of their care until it’s time for them to return to custody or to be released. Key duties include accompanying defendants in court rooms and cells, searching property or people, ensuring food and drink is available, and completing paperwork and data entry.

What You Need to Do the Job:

We welcome candidates from diverse work & life experiences. Commitment to making a difference is essential, and the rest will be learned during your 5 1/2-week training course.

Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and possess good written and verbal communication skills to manage and control all situations. Interest in criminology or psychology is a plus.

Our Assessment Process:

Online Assessment (sent via email upon 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 all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references.

About Serco:
At Serco, the nature of our work is important, and everyone plays a vital role. We deliver essential public services globally in various sectors. We are innovators committed to improving public services for everyone.

By joining Serco, you will have access to our Global Employee Networks focused on diversity and inclusion.

Apply:
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

At Serco, we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge. Please contact our recruitment team directly to discuss.