Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location
Royal Courts of Justice, London WC2A 2LL
About the Role
Join a team at Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) where your role will ensure the safe, secure, and efficient movement of justice. As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO), you’ll support critical operations within the courts, safeguarding both detainees and the public.
Key Responsibilities
- Escort detainees safely within courts, courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervise detainees during hearings, maintaining security and acc jord’s welfare
- Handle sensitive situations while adhering to strict confidentiality standards
- Support detainee needs (e.g., food, hydration, wellbeing checks)
- Monitor behaviour, identify risks, and respond to incidents effectively
- Conduct security searches and maintain a controlled environment
- Record and document activities accurately for compliance and audits
- Collaborate with court staff and partners to ensure smooth and secure operations
Salary & Progression
- Starting salary: £27,318 (35 hrs per week)
- Annual progression:
- Year 2: £29,193
- Year 3: £30,051
- Year 4: £30,935
- Total salary from 1st September 2026: £28,277
Working Hours & Flexibility
- 24/7 operations: Shifts include early and late rotations, with a 12-week rota provided in advance.
- Unpredictable finish times: Some assignments may extend beyond contracts hours to meet demands.
- Part-time considered: But only for full working days (reduced per-day hours not available).
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Requirements
** Essentials**
- Full UK right to work (including 2+ years visa validity if applicable)
- Adequate fitness for physically demanding duties
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and de-escalate conflict
- Team-player mentality with attention to detail
- Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and strict confidentiality
Desirable
- Valid UK driving licence (category B/B1)
Training & Development
- Paid training (5½ weeks) within your role before start
- Ongoing support from experienced colleagues
- Access to courses, mentorship, and internal progression opportunities
Job Offer Process
- Online application (eligibility questions + assessments)
- Virtual assessment: Competency interview, short roleplay, and written exercise
- Background checks: Enhanced Level 2 MoJ vetting (with DBS clearance), employment references, and occupational health review
- Drug/alcohol testing (random appointments)
- Contract offer and training scheduling
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Benefits
- 20 days holiday (extra 5 after 7 years’ service), plus bank holidays (pro-rated part-time)
- Pension: Up to 6% employee contribution (matched by Serco)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) + mental health support (MIND) partnerships
- Simply Health: Cash and dental plans
- Discounts across retailers (e.g., Merlin attractions, leisure, mobile plans)
- Global Employee Networks (Inclusion & Diversity initiatives): Inclusive Workplace Award holder
Vital Notes
- Non-disclosure (role exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).
- You must have no unspent convictions (enquiries may follow protections under Serco’s ‘Ban the Box’ pledge). Contact j&icareer@serco.com for guidance.
- Safeguarding: Training required for child/vulnerable adult protection.
Serco: About Us
Serco (50k+ team worldwide) delivers public services (such as justice, healthcare, defence, transport, and immigration). As a Disability Confident Leader & LGBT+ ally, we foster diversity and offer hybrid work options.
Apply early: Volumes can exceed capacity, leading to rapid closures.
Contact Us
For application support: j&icareer@serco.com Please note: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Apply today. Apply | #PCO | #JusticeSector | #PECS
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