Serco Plc
Detention Custody Officer
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Detention Custody Officer (DCO)
Location: Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre (RH6 0PQ)
Schedule: Full-time, permanent (variety of shift patterns) Salary: £29,563, rising to £32,653 after 6 months
This isn’t just security work.
It’s people work.
You’ll support individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives — staying calm, showing respect, and making a real difference every day.
Why this role matters
- You create a safe, secure environment
- You treat everyone with dignity and respect
- You support people who may be scared, frustrated, or vulnerable
- You rely on communication and empathy — not just authority
What you’ll actually do
- Maintain safety and security across the centre
- Build professional, respectful relationships
- De-escalate challenging situations calmly
- Support people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Stay alert, hands-on, and ready for anything
You're made for this if you are…
- Calm under pressure
- Able to listen without judgement
- Confident handling difficult situations
- Respectful of every background and culture
- Motivated to help people through tough moments
No experience? No problem. If this sounds like you — you’re made for this.
What shifts look like
- 40 hours per week (average)
- Day + night shifts (6–12 hours)
- Fair, structured rota
- Paid breaks on night shifts
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Location note: Limited public transport. Ideally, live within 30 miles of the centre. Free minibus from Gatwick Airport (Atlantic House).
What you’ll get
Training and development
- 7-week fully paid training programme
- Learn conflict resolution, communication, cultural awareness
- Clear pathways into leadership & specialist roles
Benefits
- 224 hours annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
- Pension (matched up to 6%)
- Free on-site parking
- Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day
- Full uniform provided
- Employee discounts + Blue Light Card
Application process
- Online application
- 1-hour virtual interview (Teams)
- Assessment day (group tasks, fitness test, site tour)
- 7-week training (full attendance required)
Eligibility and checks
Must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship).
Typically requires:
- Indefinite leave to remain
- 3+ years living in the UK
Security clearance required:
- Home Office CTC
- Enhanced DBS (adult and child barring)
- 5 years checkable criminal history
Start a career where your work truly matters. Apply now.
About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services.
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As an innovative organisation, we are committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.
By joining Serco, you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks—including:
- SercoInspire (Gender)
- SercoEmbrace (Multicultural)
- SercoUnlimited (Disability)
- In@Serco (LGBT & Networks)
Powered by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Serco is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard.
Fair access to employment & inclusive policies
- Serco supports fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions (via the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge). Some roles may be exempt due to security clearance requirements.
- Contact j&icareersUK@serco.com to discuss flexible working arrangements.
- Reasonable adjustments will be made at all stages of assessment.
- Apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
Apply today.
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