Serco Plc
Detention Custody Officer
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Detention Custody Officer (DCO)
Location: Yarls Wood Immigration Centre, MK44 2FQ
Schedule: Full-time, permanent, variety of shift patterns Salary: £31,000 per annum (rising incrementally to £32,000 after 6 months probation, then to £35,000 after 2 years service)
This Isn’t Just Security Work
It’s people work
You’ll support individuals through their most challenging life moments. Your responsibilities involve calmness, respect, and making a meaningful difference every day.
Why This Role Matters
- Creates a safe, secure environment
- Treats everybody with dignity and respect
- Supports people who may be scared, frustrated, or vulnerable
- Relies on communication, empathy over brute authority alone
What You’ll Do
- Maintain safety and security across the centre
- Build professional, respectful relationships
- De-escalate conflicts with composure
- Support diverse cultures and backgrounds with empathy
- Stay alert, prepared, and hands-on
Ideal Candidate
- Calm under pressure
- Listens without judgment
- Confidently handles difficult situations
- Respects diverse backgrounds and cultures
- Motivated to help people through tough times
No prior experience needed! If this resonates, you’re a strong fit.
Working Shifts
- 40 average hours per week
- Day and night shifts (6–12 hours)
- Structured fair rota
- Includes paid breaks on night shifts
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Training & Development
A 7-week fully-paid training programme covering:
- Conflict resolution
- Communication & empathy
- Cultural awareness
- Clear progression paths into leadership or specialist roles
Benefits
- Leave: 224 hours annually (including bank holidays)
- Pension: Matched up to 6%
- Parking: Free on-site
- Nutrition: Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day
- Uniform: Fully provided
- Perks:
- Employee discounts
- Blue Light Card
Application Process
- Online application
- Virtual interview (via Microsoft Teams)
- Assessment day (group tasks, fitness test, site tour)
- 7-week training (full attendance required)
Eligibility & Security Checks
UK Right to Work
- Must legally reside in the UK (no visa sponsorship)
Typical Eligibility
- Indefinite leave to remain
- 3+ years of residence in the UK
Security Clearance Required
- Home Office CTC check
- Enhanced DBS (covers child and adult barring)
- 5-year history check for peace/offense-free record
No'appréciation is given for partial completion, incorrect role starts, or excessive formatting —only a suitable opening line.
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Apply With Serco
Serco’s mission centres on people-first approaches. Our 50,000+ team delivers critical public services globally across defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizenship. We positively disrupt public services for the greater good.
By joining Serco, you unlock Global Employee Networks like:
- SercoInspire (Gender Diversity)
- SercoEmbrace (Multicultural)
- SercoUnlimited (Disability)
- In@Serco (LGBT+)
Diversity & Inclusion at Serco
- Ban the Box (equal opportunity for candidates with unspent convictions)
- Reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment/employment
- Hybrid work models available in applicable roles
- Pride in flexibility/innovative work channels
- Silver Inclusive Employer Standard—Senior Disability Confident Commended
- Encourages diverse applicants along all stages
Need Help?
For application support, contact: j&icareersuk@serco.com
Ready to Start?
Apply now. Deadlines for these roles move more rapidly than noticeable due to our demand fixation, so submit promptly.
How Serco brings change into our work culture: Serco commits to inclusivity as the roots of resilience. Our network empowers everyone, showing how small changes harmonise into collective strength.
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