Prisoner Custody Officer - Bedford Vehicle Base

Serco Limited; Bedford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the UK is hiring for a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver to ensure safe transportation of detainees. Candidates should possess a B1 or C1 driver’s licence, with skills in stress management and decision making. The role offers a salary starting at £29,744 with benefits like pension and health support. Commitment to ethical standards and inclusivity is critical.

Benefits

Salary increments after first year

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Health and wellbeing support

Discounts on leisure and retail

Qualifications

• Hold a current driver's licence with B1 or C1 Licence.
• Interest in criminology or psychology is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and secure transportation for detainees.
• Verify paperwork and property of detainees.
• Monitor detainees' welfare during transport.
• Transport detainees to courts for inter-prison transfers.
• Complete necessary paperwork accurately.

Skills

Emotional needs understanding

Stress management

Decision making

Collaboration

Protocol adherence

Physical fitness

Conflict de-escalation

Ethical standards

Sensitivity to diversity

Education

Current driver’s licence

B1 or C1 Licence

Valid CPC card (desirable)

Job description

Serco Limited offers permanent roles providing job stability & security. As a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), you will be part of a professional team that plays a vital role in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day. In addition to a rewarding career, we also offer the following benefits:

• Salary of £29,744 (40 hrs per week). Training salary is £26,026 (35 hrs per week).
• Annual salary increments: Year 2 – £30,467; Year 3 – £31,154; Year 4 – £31,865.
• Additional driving allowance earnings for Category B1/C1 License holders: B1 = £600 per year; C1 = £2,400 per year (C1 holders must drive 6‑cell vehicles – subject to further terms).
• Potential first‑year income between £35,334 & £37,144, depending on license type and overtime (average 8 hrs overtime per week).
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance, 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years) plus bank holidays.
• Discounts on Merlin Attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail, and hospitality.
• Health and wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, and Dental Plans.
• A supportive team and culture passionate about diversity and inclusion.

We operate 24/6 and you’ll be expected to cover various early and late shifts, with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Flexibility is essential, as the role involves a wide range of working arrangements and additional hours. We operate on a rota basis, issued 12 weeks in advance, allowing you to plan ahead while still meeting unpredictable demands.

About the Role

As a PCO at our base, you’ll work as part of a crew to provide safe and secure court transportation and custody services. You’ll collect adult male and female detainees between prisons, police stations and courts, ensuring their well‑being. Depending on operational requirements, you may remain at court to care for detainees until they return to custody or are released. Duties include accompanying defendants in courtrooms and cells, searching property and people, ensuring food and drink are available, and completing paperwork and data entry.

Key Responsibilities

• Start the day early and attend briefings to receive assignments, including details on prisoners, pick‑up and drop‑off locations, and specific risks.
• Check handheld devices for schedules and prisoner information; complete vehicle checks.
• Collect prisoners from various locations, verify paperwork and property, search prisoners, and load them onto the vehicle.
• Monitor prisoners' welfare during transport, conduct cell checks, and provide water if needed. Arrange comfort stops for long journeys.
• Transport prisoners to courts and handle inter‑prison transfers for reasons such as bed space management or educational needs.
• Return to the vehicle base, perform end‑of‑use checks, report defects, and hand in documentation.
• Work beyond contracted hours due to job demands, sometimes exceeding 50 hours a week, including hospital stays and emergency transfers during incidents like prison riots.

Qualifications and Skills

You’ll need to hold a current driver’s licence, B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable). The role suits those with a particular interest in criminology or psychology. Required skills and abilities include:

• Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of detainees.
• Handling stressful and emotionally demanding situations with a calm and composed demeanour.
• Thinking on your feet and making quick, effective decisions in challenging situations.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the safety and well‑being of detainees.
• Meticulous adherence to protocols, conducting searches, and completing paperwork accurately.
• Adequate physical fitness to perform duties that may involve restraining detainees and handling long hours.
• Skilled in de‑escalating conflicts and managing challenging behaviour effectively.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and needs, ensuring respectful and fair treatment.

Assessment Process

The assessment process includes a briefing call to assess eligibility, a competency‑based virtual interview, followed by a 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.

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. While we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

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

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holders of the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. We support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all and will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates.

How to Apply

Apply promptly to avoid disappointment. For assistance with your application, please contact j&[e-mail].