Serco
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Norwich Crown and Magistrates Courts Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services Bishopgate, Norwich NR3 1UR
Role Overview
Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a professional team ensuring safety, security, and fairness within the justice system. This permanent role offers job stability, ongoing development, and a base salary of £23,402.00 (progressive increments each year: Year 2: £23,984, Year 3: £24,436, Year 4: £24,890).
Our commitment includes:
- 20 days’ annual leave (increasing to 25 after 7 years), plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme (up to 6% matched by Serco).
- Life insurance and a holistic wellness programme (including MIND support, healthcare, and dental plans).
- Discount schemes (e.g., cinema, travel, retail).
- Supportive, inclusive culture with a strong focus on diversity and safeguarding children/youth.
- Rota shifts (35hrs pw) with a minimum 12 weeks’ notice of working hours, ensuring work-life flexibility.
You’ll be operational 24/7 with shift rotas spanning early/late timings, often unpredictable finishing times depending operational needs.
Key Duties
This role demands vigilance, professionalism, and discretion. As a PCO, you’ll:
- Escort detainees safely between cells, courtrooms, and other secure areas—including handcuffing where necessary.
- Monitor detainee behaviour and physical/mental health during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure yet treated with compassion.
- Handle sensitive, often distressing testimonies—maintaining professionalism while supporting detainees and preserving absolute confidentiality.
- Provide essential care, including food, hydration, and respecting dietary needs.
- Prevent security breaches by conducting thorough searches and checks for contraband.
- Document movements, incidents, and detainee details accurately for legal/operational records.
- Collaborate with police, legal staff, and first responders for secure court operations.
- Assist prosecutors and ensure justice is administered fairly, safely, and securely.
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What We’re Looking For
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. Prior experience isn’t mandatory—we’ll train you in our 5½-week induction programme. However, we seek candidates with:
- A current UK driving license (validity preferred).
- Good physical fitness (sustained vigilance over shifts).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (management under pressure requires clarity).
- Commitment to duty and professionalism, with an understanding of:
- Criminology/psychological insights (an asset, not essential).
- Emotional resilience to cope with challenging scenarios.
- Safeguarding protocols (education provided, resources available).
Assessment Process
- Eligibility call (screening preliminary requirements).
- Virtual competency-based interview.
- Practical role-play + written assessment.
Security and Background Check: All successful candidates must undergo:
- Enhanced DBS check (Adult and Child Barring).
- Ministry of Justice SEN32 screening and DBS clearance (linked to ongoing eligibility).
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Safeguarding & Rights Compliance: You’ll undertake safeguarding training and abide by court/kangaroo policies. No prisoners under 18 will be entrusted to you.
Eligibility: Work Permissions
This role is not visa-sponsored. Eligible candidates must either:
- Hold a trace freed right to work in the UK OR demonstrate:
- At least two years remaining on a current visa.
- One-year continuous UK residence (for counter-signatory verification).
For more details, refer to the UK Government’s Right to Work guidance.
Our Commitment to Diversity
Serco is a global leader in public service, dedicated to innovation, safety, and equal opportunities. Join us in reshaping justice, healthcare, transport, and defence. We proudly promote:
- Gender equality (SercoInspire Network).
- Racial inclusion (SercoEmbrace Network).
Our Global Employee Networks support career growth, wellbeing, and belonging. We are Disability Confident Leaders and holders of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. All applicants will receive reasonable adjustments to access interviews.
Serco adheres to the Ban the Box pledge, where unused criminal convictions won’t exclude you by default. Contact our careers team directly (j&icareersUK@serco.com) for tailored discussions.
Apply Today
Act now! Apply promptly (closing dates may advance at high volume). Prioritise access by completing the form via the application button.
For assistance: Email j&icareersUK@serco.com.
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