Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Justice and Escort Services
Location: Brighton, BN2 0RF
About the Role
Join the Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) team, where you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding the justice system. A commitment to security, teamwork, and supporting detainee welfare makes this an essential role.
🔹 Job Security: Stable career progression within the public sector 🔹 Shift Pattern: Operates 24/7 with unpredictable finishing times on occasion 🔹 Flexibility: Rotas provided 12 weeks in advance for your planning
Salaries and Progression
Starting Salary: £24,596 (35 hours per week) 📅 Scheduled salary increases:
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180 📅 Rising to: £25,555 from 1st September 2026
Key Responsibilities
As a Prisoner Custody Officer, your duties include:
- Escorting: Safely moving detainees between courts, cells, and facilities
- Supervision: Maintaining security and welfare during court proceedings
- Incident Management: Handling behavioural risks, disrupting or disruptive behaviour, and managing stressful situations
- Documentation: Completing accurate logs, incident reports, and searches
- Partnerships: Collaborating with legal teams and court staff for seamless court operations
- Wellbeing Support: Assisting detainees with food, hydration, accessibility needs, and emotional checks
Requirements
Essential attributes (Training provided)
Ministry of Justice training will equip you for the role post-recruitment; however, essential personal traits include:
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🔸 Strong physical fitness (capable of walking, lifting, and other routine tasks) 🔸 Clear communication – both written and ** español** verbal skills for consent and reporting 🔸 Resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure with decision-making skills 🔸 Ability to manage conflict and de-escalate tense situations professionally 🔸 Autonomy with attention to detail and accountability for processes 🔸 Confidentiality and integrity central to the role
Job Accessibility Criteria
- Full UK driver’s licence (desirable, mobility essential due to shift demands) ⚠ Eligibility notes:
- Offer valid only with Enhanced DBS security clearance and ** Império of Justice UK Enhanced Level 2 checks**
- Eligible UK individuals only – Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship not available
- Applicants ** without UK residency** must meet these requirements:
- Visas with ≥2 years remaining
- ≥1 year prior UK residency before application
- Cannot be exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Subject to random drug/alcohol testing
Benefits of Joining Serco
🏦 Pension – up to 6% contributed (Serco matches your contributions) ✅ 20 paid days off per year (rising to 25 after 7 years) 🧘 Health & Wellbeing Support
- Flexible work and sabbaticals
- Mental Health resources via Mind UK Partnership
- Discounted Simply Health cash plans, dental, and cashback offers
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🎓 Career Development
- Full 5½ week training (paid), with ongoing internal mentorship and learning to upgrade to Tier 3 (Scotland) oroday roles
- Progression pathways to further government/private sector tas roles
🆓 Discounts & Retail perks
- Partnerships with major retailers, experiences, attractions (e.g., Merlin, cinemas, fitness centres)
- Mobile plans and hospitality offers
Recruitment Pipeline
- Online Application (eligibility questions + virtual pre-assessment)
- Virtual Assessment (competency-based online interview + short role-play + written exercise)
- Background Checks & Job Offer (RH, DBS, vetting, right-to-work validations)
- Confirmed Training Start Date (individualised support begins post successful hiring)
About Serco
Serco is a public service leader with 50,000+ employees worldwide providing essential services in: 📌 Healthcare 📌 Justice & Immigration Support 📌 Pensions & assets 📌 Military & Defence 📌 Logistics
Diversity & Inclusion
⚡ g Global networks: SercoInspire (Gender), SercoUnlimited (Disability), In@Serco (LGBT+), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural) ⚡ Reasonable adjustments available throughout the application-to-employment pipeline. ⚡ Ban the Box policy – applications evaluated for performance, potential, and capacity.
✉ For support or priority assistance, contact: j&icareersUK@serco.com
#pecs #prisonercustodyofficercourts Let’s shape a better future together. Apply Today!
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