Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location: Isleworth Crown Court, TW7 5LG
Join us as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you’ll play a key role in keeping the justice system safe and secure.
About the Role
As a PCO, you’ll work within 24/7 operational duties across early and late shifts to ensure safe and secure escorts for detainees during court proceedings. You’ll maintain security, uphold professionalism, and support detainee welfare – from courtroom movements to fostering calm environments.
Shifts operate on a 12-week rota, allowing flexibility to plan ahead. You may need to work beyond contracted hours occasionally to meet operational demands.
Salary: £27,220 per annum (35hrs/pw). Clear progression: Raises from September 2026 and beyond:
- Year 2: £28,865
- Year 3: £29,508
- Year 4: £30,172
Key Responsibilities
- Escorting detainees within courts, cells, and facilities such as hearing areas
- Supervising detainees to maintain safety, security, and order during proceedings
- Managing sensitive situations with confidentiality in high-pressure environments
- Responding to behavioural risks or incidents with a PREventive, professional approach
- Administering searches to ensure a secure environment
- Assisting with food, water, and wellbeing checks for detainees during stays
- Accurate recording and documentation of actions and incidents
- Collaborating with court staff, judicial officers, and prison services
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Requirements
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1 class) (desirable)
- Ability to demonstrate reasonable fitness due to physical nature of the role
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Comfortable working under pressure to make confident decisions in challenging scenarios
- Assured ability to manage conflict de-escalation calmly and professionally
- Confidence in teamwork and strict adherence to procedures
- Professional integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality
Note: Part-time work can be considered, but only on full working days (reduced daily hours are not available).
Training Provided
- Paid 5.5-week structured training course
- Ongoing support from colleague-led mentoring programmes
- Access to internal courses and qualifications through Serco
What We Offer
Rewards & Benefits
- 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 days after 7 years’ service), plus bank holidays (pro rata’d)
- Employee Pension Scheme: 6% contribution matched by Serco
- Healthcare:
- £90 SimplyHealth cash plan
- Dental plan
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Access to Mind Cymru/Anglia Care wellbeing resources
- Discounted gym memberships (Serco-run)
- Merlin & Savings: Retail, leisure, and experience discounts (e.g., cinema, transport, mobile plans, shopping)
- Commitment to continuous learning
- Hybrid and flexible work considerations depending on department structure
Recruitment Process
- Online application: Includes eligibility questions and online assessments
- Virtual Assessment: Competency-based interview, roleplay exercise, and written test (online)
- Background & Vetting Checks: Eligibility and security clearance validations
- Job offer + training commencement
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Security & Policy Requirements
✅ Enhanced DBS Level 2 Classification via DBS Enhanced Disclosure ✅ Satisfactory employment references ✅ Occupational health checks ✅ Random drug and alcohol testing ❗ Exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (checks bypass standard exemptions)
Right to Work in the UK: Duty holder must meet residency and visa requirements – visa sponsorship not available.
✅ Safeguarding commitment: Training, responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults.
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About Serco
Serco partners with public services globally—justice, defence, healthcare, and more—delivering excellence with 50,000+ employees. By joining us, you gain: 🔹 Access to Global Employee Networks (Diversity, Inclusion Focus Groups/Support) 🔹 Gold Inclusive Employer Standard and Disability Confident Leader recognition 🔹 Ban the Box pledge – opportunities extended to candidates with unspent convictions (some exemptions apply)
Flexibility: Reasonable adjustments accommodated, meaningful discussion on flexible working.
Contact Careers Support: j&icareersUK@serco.com
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