Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location: Kingston-Upon-Thames Crown Court, KT1 2BB
About the Role
Join Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you’ll play a critical role in safeguarding the justice system. As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO), you’ll ensure the secure transportation and welfare of detainees during court proceedings while working closely with teams to maintain safety, security, and operational smoothness.
Key Responsibilities
As a PCO, your duties include:
- Escorting detainees within and around the court premises, including courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to uphold safety and security standards
- Managing sensitive situations with professional discretion and strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee welfare, including providing access to food, hydration, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring behaviour and responding promptly to incidents or associated risks
- Conducting thorough searches to maintain a secure environment
- Documenting all actions accurately to ensure retention and compliance
- Collaborating with court staff and external partners to facilitate efficient operations
Salary & Development
- Starting Salary: £27,220 (35 hours per week), rising to £28,179 from 1 September 2026
- Annual Progression:
- Year 2: £28,865
- Year 3: £29,508
- Year 4: £30,172 (continuing increments thereafter)
- Ongoing Training: A 5½-week paid training course, plus mentorship and structured development opportunities for career growth
Hours & Shift Patterns
- Coverage: Operates 24/7 across early and late shifts (rotating pattern)
- Schedule Flexibility: Predictable 12-week rota provides advance notice for personal planning
- Contract: Full-time equivalent only ( partito-time options in full working days available upon eligibility; daily hours reduction not permitted)
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Requirements
We value a diverse range of skills, with these attributes essential:
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1), highly desirable
- Reasonable physical fitness to meet role demands
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and make decisive decisions
- Confidence in behaviour management and conflict de-escalation
- Rigour in attention to procedure, collaboration, and accuracy
- Impeccable professionalism, integrity, and discretion with confidential information
The Benefits
We prioritise the wellbeing of our people while offering:
- Holidays: 20 days (+ bank holidays), increasing to 25 days after 7 years
- Pension: Up to 6% employee contribution matched by Serco via our pension scheme
- Training & Support: Induction, mentoring, mentoring, role-specific qualifications, continual upskilling, and internal progression pathways
- Health & Wellbeing: Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), MIND support, Simply Health (cash/dental plan), mg workplace gyms, and holistic resources
- Discounts: Exclusive deals across major retail, leisure, and travel brands (Merlin attractions, restaurants, travel, entertainment, etc.)
Recruitment Process
- Online Application: Compulsory eligibility questions and online assessments
- Virtual Assessment: Competency-based interview, behavioural role-play, and written exercise (all online)
- Security Checks: Preliminary right-to-work verification and vetting documentation reviews
- Job Offer: Subject to final MoJ Enhanced Level 2 Security Level Clearing, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, references, and occupational health clearance
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Key Hiring Conditions
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Suitable for: Candidates with a valid right-to-work in the UK
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DBS Clearance: Mandatory ENhanced DBS check, including:
*Exemption: Not eligible under the **Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 */} *Applied: Random drug and alcohol testing discretion applies} Residency: Visa holders must have at least one year of UK residency and two years remaining
About Serco
We believe purpose, diversity, and shared values transform services for the better. As a business of 50,000+ colleagues, we innovate and improve essential services globally in justice, defence, transport, healthcare, and beyond.
Serco thrives on a culture of inclusion, supported by global networks like SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability), and In@Serco (LGBTQ+). Our hybrid workplace encourages flexibility, and as a Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer, we’re committed to fair access including Ban the Box initiatives.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today.
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