Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location: Cambridge, CB1 1BT
Join us to play a critical role in helping keep the justice system safe and secure as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS).
Job Security & Stability
- Salary: £27,220 (35 hours per week), rising to £28,179 from 1st September 2026
- Progressions: Year 2: £28,865 / Year 3: £29,508 / Year 4: £30,172
Operational Details We operate 24/7 with a mix of early and late shifts—flexibility is essential as finishing times can be unpredictable. You may need to work beyond contracted hours to meet operational demands.
Feed provision will be provided throughout operational hours.
Shifts are set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance for planning. Part-time working (full working days only) may be considered.
Key Responsibilities
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a team to ensure:
- Safe and secure escorting of detainees for court proceedings.
- Detainee welfare is maintained throughout all phases of proceedings, until their return to custody or release.
Daily duties include:
- Escorting detainees within the court (courtrooms, cells, facilities).
- Supervising detainees in hearings to maintain safety and security.
- Managing sensitive situations while adhering to confidentiality.
- Supporting detainee welfare (food, drink, wellbeing checks).
- Monitoring behaviour, responding to incidents, and assessing risks.
- Conducting searches to maintain a secure environment.
- Completing accurate records and documentation.
- Collaborating closely with court staff and partners for smooth operations.
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Requirements of the Role
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, but certain key skills and attributes are essential:
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1) – deferrable (desirable).
- Reasonable fitness for the role’s physical demands.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
- Confidence in managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict.
- Teamwork and a high level of process accuracy (attention to detail).
- Professionalism, integrity, and strict confidentiality.
What We Offer
Employment Benefits
- Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years) + bank holidays (pro rata’d).
- Pension: Up to 6% (contributory), matched by Serco.
- Training & Development:
- Structured 5½-week paid induction.
- Ongoing learning via internal courses/qualifications.
- Mentoring and clear internal progression paths.
- Health & Wellbeing:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Support from mental health charity MIND.
- Free Simply Health cash/dental plans.
- Wellbeing resources, discounts on Membership at Serco-run gyms.
- Discounts: Savings across major retailers (* airfield attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans*).
Recruitment Process
- Online application with eligibility questions and online assessments.
- Virtual assessment comprising:
- Competency-based interview.
- Roleplay exercise and written task (online).
- Eligibility checks:
- Right-to-work verification and CQC Clearance standards.
- Enhanced DBS disclosure, references, health checks.
- Job offer & training confirmation on successful completion.
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Eligibility & Additional Notes
- Visa Policy: This role cannot sponsor work visas.
- Right to Work: Candidates must live in the UK and have:
- At least two years remaining on their visa.
- One year of UK residency (for counter-signatory verification).
- Security Checks: All roles involve pre-employment security vetting and adhere to Rehabilitation of Offenders U Jurist Act (1974) exempt status.
- Random Drug & Alcohol Testing applies post-appointment.
About Serco
At Serco, we deliver essential public services for millions worldwide, ranging from defence to criminal justice, with 50,000+ employees. Our focus is on:
- Innovative service improvement.
- Supporting diverse talent through Inclusion & Belonging initiatives:
- SercoInspire (Gender Equality).
- SercoEmbrace (Multicultural Diversity).
- SercoUnlimited (Disability-Friendly Network).
- Commitment to equality: Reasonable adjustments are offered, and we ban box (excluding security-dependent roles).
Apply Now
Proactively apply to avoid detached deadlines due to high application volumes. For help with your application, contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
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