Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco; Woking; On-site; GBP 24,596 - 31,163; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days holiday, rising to 25 after 7 years

Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support programs

Discounts across various retailers and services

Job summary

A leading security services company is looking for a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Woking. This role involves safely transporting detainees and ensuring their welfare during transit. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to manage potentially challenging situations. Job security and a clear progression path with salary increases are also offered, along with various employee benefits, including health and well-being programs.

Qualifications

• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role.
• Professional communication skills to ensure clarity and understanding.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety during transport of detainees.
• Perform vehicle and equipment checks.
• Monitor welfare during transport.
• Complete necessary documentation and checks.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure

Confidence managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict

Teamwork and ability to follow processes accurately

Professionalism, integrity and respect for confidentiality

Job description

Role

Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – responsible for ensuring safe transport of detainees between prisons, police stations and courts. This role provides job security and stability.

Pay

• Initial Training Salary: £24,596 (35hrs pw)
• Graduated Base Salary: £28,109 (40 hrs pw), rising to £29,205 from 1st September 2026, with clear annual progression (Year 2: £29,932; Year 3: £30,496; Year 4: £31,063)
• Potential first‑year income (including average overtime of 8hrs pw): £34,805 – £36,605

Location

Woking Vehicle Base, GU21 3BA

Working Hours

24/6 – early and late shifts. Rotas released 12 weeks in advance. Flexibility required; may need to work beyond contracted hours. Part‑time only available for full working days.

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 (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

Requirements

• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict
• Teamwork and ability to follow processes accurately
• Professionalism, integrity and respect for confidentiality

Benefits

• Holidays: 20 days (raising to 25 after 7 years), plus bank holidays (pro‑rated)
• Pension: Up to 6 % contributory scheme (matched by Serco)
• Training & development: 5½‑week induction, ongoing learning, mentoring and progression opportunities
• Health & wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, support from MIND, health cash plan and dental plans, well‑being resources, gym membership discounts
• Discounts: savings across retailers, leisure, cinema, mobile plans, etc.

Recruitment Process

• Online application with eligibility questions and assessments
• Virtual assessment: competency‑based interview, short‑role play and written exercise
• Right‑to‑work, vetting and documentation checks
• Job offer and confirmation of training start date

Eligibility Checks

Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, employment references, occupational health checks. Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

Visa & Work Eligibility

Role not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and, if holding a visa, at least two years remaining and one year’s UK residency for required checks.

Safety & Diversity

All colleagues must complete safeguarding training and follow safeguarding policies. Serco is a disabled confident leader and holds the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard. We encourage applications from diverse candidates.