Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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📍 Location: Reading Crown and Magistrates Court, RG1 7TQ
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Join us and play a critical role in keeping the justice system safe and secure. This position offers job security, stability, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
🔹 Salary & Progression
- Starting salary: £24,596 (35 hours per week)
- Annual progression:
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180
- Step increase: From £25,555 from 1 September 2026
Operating 24/7, shifts are shared across early and late hours, sometimes extending beyond contracted hours to meet operational demands. A 12-week advance rota ensures notice for planning. Part-time working (full working days only) may be arranged.
Key Role Responsibilities
As a Prisoner Custody Officer, your duties include:
- Ensuring the safe and secure escort of detainees within courts, cells, and court facilities.
- Supervising detainees during hearings while maintaining safety and confidentiality.
- Supporting detainee welfare (e.g., food, drink, wellbeing checks).
- Monitoring behaviour, de-escalating incidents, and responding to risks.
- Conducting security searches and managing sensitive situations.
- Completing accurate records and collaborating with court staff and partners.
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Requirements
We value commitment over experience. You’ll receive:
- A paid 5½-week training course + ongoing mentoring.
- Competency varies — the job depends on your passion.
Essential Criteria:
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1, desirable).
- Capacity to cope with physical demands of the role.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to stay calm and decision-making under pressure.
- Confidence in managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict.
- Strong teamwork and process adherence.
- Professionalism, integrity, and strict confidentiality handling.
🌟 Why Work with Us?
Benefits
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Paid leave:
- 20 days (increasing to 25+ bank holiday days after 7 years).
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Pension: 6% contribution (Serco matches contributions).
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Training and development: Structured induction, mentoring, and career progression.
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Health & wellbeing:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Benefits: SimplyHealth, discounts on a Serco-run gym membership, and access to MIND resources.
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Financial Discounts:
- Savings at retail outlets, cinemas, leisure venues, and more.
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Recruitment Process
- Online application (eligibility questions + assessments).
- Virtual assessment:
- Competency-based interview.
- Short roleplay and written tasks (online).
- Vetting & checks (ministry of justice clearance, DBS, occupational health).
- Final job offer, confirming your training start date.
Note: Role subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced DBS clearance, right-to-work checks, and random drug/alcohol testing. Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship not applicable.
🏆 ** ikkjeing (Diversity & Safeguarding)**
Serco values diversity (including those with unspent criminal convictions) and provides reasonable workplace adjustments. Employees must adhere to safeguarding policies and training.
About Serco
Serco delivers essential public services, including justice, healthcare, and defence. We foster global employee networks supporting:
- Diversity + inclusion (Gender, Multicultural, Disability, LGBT+ communities).
- High commitment to innovation and resilient public service.
Join us to become part of a team that impacts justice, fairness, and public safety.
💬 Where: Apply Directly
Hashtags #pecs #prisonercustodyofficercourts
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