Prisoner Custody Officer - Watton Vehicle Base

Driverz Work; Watton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Progression opportunities

Pension up to 6% matched

Health & wellbeing support

Discounts across retailers

Job summary

Serco is hiring Prisoner Custody Officers for the Prisoner Escort Custody Services in Watton. The role includes 5½ weeks of paid training with progression in base pay and potential extra earnings from driving allowances, depending on licence type.

Expect shift work across a 24/6 rota, with early and late starts and some overtime. Eligibility includes full UK driving licence (B1/C1) and CPC where applicable; you will be assessed through online and in-person steps.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence (B1/C1) essential.
• C1 Licence holders should ideally hold a valid CPC.
• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
• Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict.
• Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately.
• Professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Attend briefings and receive detainee, route, and risk details.
• Carry out vehicle and equipment checks.
• Collect, search, and transport detainees safely.
• Monitor welfare during transport, including checks and comfort stops.
• Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments.
• Complete end-of-shift checks, reporting and documentation.
• Work flexibly, including extended hours and responding to incidents.

Skills

Reliable

Trustworthy

Compassionate

Strong communication

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Education

Full UK driving licence - B1/C1

C1 Licence with CPC

Job description

Location: Watton Vehicle Base, IP25 6JB

Join us a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) where you’ll play a key role in helping keep the justice system safe and secure. In addition to job security and stability you'll receive:

• Initial Training Salary: £25,555 (35hrs pw)
• Graduated Base Salary: £29,205 (40 hrs pw), with clear annual progression (Year 2: £29,932; Year 3: £30,496; Year 4: £31,063).
• Additional earnings through driving allowances (eligibility based on licence type and vehicle driven, subject to terms):
  • B/B1 License: £600 per year
  • C1 License: £2,400 per year

When combined with base salary and average overtime (8hrs pw), this gives a potential first-year income of between £34,805 and £36,605!

We operate 24/6 across early and late shifts, so flexibility is essential. Finishing times can be unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond your contracted hours to meet operational demands. Shifts are set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance, giving you visibility to plan ahead. Part‑time working may be considered, but this must be across full working days, as reduced daily hours are not available.

Keep people safe. Keep justice moving.

Key responsibilities

• Attend briefings and receive detainee, route, and risk details
• Carry out vehicle and equipment checks
• Collect, search, and transport detainees safely
• Monitor welfare during transport, including checks and comfort stops
• Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments
• Complete end-of-shift checks, reporting, and documentation
• Work flexibly, including extended hours and responding to incidents

What you need to do the job!

Our PCOs come from a range of backgrounds—what matters most is you are reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate, committed to safeguarding and treating people with dignity and respect. In return you’ll receive full training through a 5½-week paid training, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Requirements of the role:

• Full UK driving licence essential - B1/C1 (subject to requirements)
• C1 Licences holders should ideally hold a valid CPC
• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict
• Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately
• Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality

What we offer

• Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro rata’d)
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme (matched by Serco)
• Training and development: Structured induction (5½ weeks), ongoing learning, access to internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and a strong focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from mental health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, discount on membership at Serco‑run gyms
• Discounts: Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more

Our recruitment process

• Online application inc. eligibility questions and online assessments
• Virtual assessment: Competency based interview, short‑roleplay and written exercise (online)
• Initial right to work and vetting documentation checks
• Job offer and confirmation of your training start date

Eligibility checks and further information

Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory employment references and occupational health checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All roles are subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office regulations. You must have the right to work in the UK. If you do have a visa, it must have at least two years remaining, and you must have at least one year’s UK residency (to enable required counter signatory checks by a recognised professional).

All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and must complete the required training and follow our safeguarding policies.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment

We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.

For confidential enquiries about this role, please contact MyHR via the portal. For help with your application, please contact j&[e-mail].

Please ensure your line manager is aware of your application.

Let’s impact a better future, together.