Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Join Us as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Winchester Crown Court, SO23 9EL
About the Role
Play a critical role in keeping the justice system safe and secure as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in the Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) team at Winchester Crown Court.
Location: Winchester Crown Court, SO23 9EL
Salary & Progression:
- £24,596 (35 hours per week)
- Rising to £25,555 from 1st September 2026
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180
Flexible Working:
- 24/7 operation (early and late shifts)
- Unpredictable finish times, with possible extended hours to meet operational needs
- 12-week rosters for planning flexibility
- Part-time options on a full-day basis only
Key Responsibilities: As a PCO, you’ll be responsible for:
- Escorting detainees within the court, including courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to maintain safety, security, and protocol
- Managing sensitive situations with strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee welfare, including access to food, drink, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring behaviour, responding to incidents or risks, and de-escalating conflicts
- Conducting searches to maintain security
- Completing accurate records, reports, and documentation
- Collaborating with court staff and partners for seamless operations
What You Need to Succeed success will come from a wide range of candidates—we value commitment, integrity, and the passion to make a difference. You’ll receive:
- A 5.5-week paid training programme
- Ongoing support from experienced colleagues
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Essential Requirements:
- Full UK driving licence (Category B/B1) (desirable but not mandatory)
- Reasonable fitness to cope with the physical demands of the role
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Ability to stay calm and make sound decisions under pressure
- Confidence in managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict
- Strong teamwork skills and ability to follow processes accurately
- Professionalism, integrity, and strict confidentiality
Our Employee Promise – What We Offer
-
Holiday Entitlement:
- 20 days rising to 25 days after 7 years’ service (pro rata’d for part-time)
- Bank holidays included
-
Pension:
- 6% contributory pension scheme, matched by Serco
-
Training & Development:
- Structured induction (5.5 weeks)
- Ongoing learning opportunities and access to internal courses
- Mentoring and internal career progression focus
-
Health & Wellbeing Support:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Mind partnership for mental health support
- Simply Health savings (cash and dental plans)
- Access to Serco-run gym membership discounts
- Wellbeing resources & initiatives
-
Discounts:
- Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more
The Recruitment Process:
- Online Application:
- Eligibility questions + online assessments
- Virtual Assessment:
- Competency-based interview
- Short roleplay
- Written exercise (all conducted online)
- Background Checks:
- Right-to-work verification
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance
- Employment references
- Occupational health assessments
- Job Offer:
- Confirmed with training start date
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Eligibility & Additional Policies:
✅ Must have the right to work in the UK (visas must have 2+ years’ validity remaining and ensure covering due diligence checks). ❌ Role not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. ❌ Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (application details held indefinitely in line with Ministry of Justice policy). ✅ Random alcohol and drug testing policy applies.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment: At Serco, we celebrate difference! We are a Disability Confident Leader organisation, adhering to the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard and regularly engage with:
- SercoInspire (Women’s Network)
- SercoEmbrace (Multicultural Network)
- SercoUnlimited (Disability Focus)
- In@Serco (LGBT+ Network)
We vigorously support fair access to employment, including candidates with past criminal convictions (indentified roles may persist security requirements).
For assistance with applications: 📧 j&icareersUK@serco.com
"Together, let’s impact a better future." Apply now! [Apply Button]: #pecs #prisonercustodyofficercourts
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