Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco; Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Prisoner Custody Officer, where your role is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of detainees. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals while being part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion. With comprehensive training and continuous development opportunities, you will be equipped to handle various responsibilities, from escorting defendants to ensuring their comfort during custody. Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to contribute to essential public services in a dynamic environment. If you're ready to embrace a rewarding career, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Life insurance

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

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts on Merlin Attractions

Discounts on mobile phones

Discounts on cinema

Discounts on leisure, retail, and hospitality

Qualifications

• Commitment to making a difference is essential.
• Training provided for all necessary skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe escorting and custody services to detainees.
• Complete paperwork and data entry related to custody.

Skills

Good written communication skills

Good verbal communication skills

Physical fitness

Interest in criminology

Interest in psychology

Job description

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 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, Dental Plans, and more.
• Access to discounts on Merlin Attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail, and hospitality.
• A supportive team & culture focused on diversity and inclusion.

We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as there are a range of different working arrangements & additional hours. We operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.

We are open to considering part-time positions for day shifts only. However, full-time attendance is required during the initial training period of 5 1/2 weeks.

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.

Your responsibilities include accompanying defendants in courtrooms and cells, searching property or people, ensuring food and drink availability, and completing paperwork and data entry.

What you need to do the job!

Our current PCOs come with different work & life experiences; what matters is your commitment to making a difference – the rest you will learn during your 5 1/2-week training course and through our experienced colleagues.

Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and possess good written and verbal communication skills. Our roles suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology.

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 are a team of 50,000 people delivering essential public services globally in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services.

By joining Serco, you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability), and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks).

Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally, we receive a large volume of applications, and when that happens, we may bring the closing date forward, so please 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. For help with your application, please contact 0345 010 4000.