Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
# Location Bournemouth BH7 7DS,
Join Us Become a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in the Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where your role is vital in maintaining the safety and security of the justice system.
Why Work Here?
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Job security and stability
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Competitive salary and progression:
- Base salary: £24,596 (35 hours per week)
- Increase from 1st September 2026: £25,555
- Clear annual progression:
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180
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Shift details
- Operates 24/7 across flexible early and late shifts
- Finish times may require occasional extra hours to meet operational needs
- Full working days only (part-time considered, but must be entire days)
- Shift rosters provided 12 weeks in advance for planned flexibility
Key Responsibilities
As a PCO, you will work as part of a team to deliver secure escorting and custody services, ensuring detainee welfare during court proceedings. Your responsibilities include:
- Escorting detainees within the court environment (courthouses, cells, facilities)
- Supervising detainees during hearings to maintain safety and order
- Managing sensitive scenarios with strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee well-being, including food, hydration, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring detainee behavior and handling incidents or risks effectively
- Conducting searches to ensure a secure environment
- Completing accurate records and documentation
- Collaborating with courts and partners for efficient operations
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Key Skills & Requirements
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds—commitment is the primary requirement, as you’ll undertake intensive training. To be considered:
- Full UK driving licence (B or B1 category)—desirable
- Reasonable physical fitness for the demands of the role
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to stay calm and make sound decisions under pressure
- Confidence in managing behavior and de-escalating conflict
- Teamwork and adherence to established procedures
- High standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
What We Offer
- Holidays: 20 days (+ bank holidays) per year; rising to 25 days after 7 years' service (pro-rated)
- Pension: 6% contributory pension, matched by Serco
- Training & Career Development:
- Paid 5½-week induction and training program
- Ongoing opportunities, mentoring, and internal progression
- Wellbeing Support:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Partnered with MIND for mental health support
- Simply Health cash/dental plans
- Gym discounts
- Discounts: Access to savings on retail, entertainment, leisure, mobile plans, and more
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Recruitment Process
- Online application (eligibility questions + assessments)
- Virtual assessment:
- Competency-based interview
- Role-play exercise
- Written task
- Vetting checks (right-to-work, DBS, references Enhanced Level 2)
- Job offer + training start date
Eligibility & Additional Information
- Security Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance, occupational health checks required. This role is not eligible under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Drug/Alcohol Testing: Random testing applies.
- Right to Work: Must hold valid UK residency + 2+ years remaining on any visa.
- Safeguarding: Compliance with policies and training is mandatory forchildren and vulnerable adult protection.
About Serco
Serco reconceptualizes public services for greater impact—whether in justice, defence, or healthcare. We empower colleagues as innovators through diversity, inclusion, and career development.
Global Employee Networks support growth:
- SercoInspire (Gender Equality)
- SercoEmbrace (Multicultural)
- SercoUnlimited (Disability Support)
- In@Serco (LGBT+)
We embrace reasonable adjustments for all and hold Gold and Inclusive Employer Standard as a Disability Confident Leader.
# Jobs Title: Prisoner Custody Officer in Prison Escort Custody Services # Hashtags: #PEC | #prisonercustodyofficercourts
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