Serco
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location: St Albans Crown and Magistrates Courts, AL1 3JU
About the Role
Join us as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you will play a key role in ensuring the safety and security of the justice system.
In addition to job security and stability, we offer:
- Salary:
- £27,220 (35 hours per week)
- £28,179 from 1st September 2026
- Clear annual progression:
- Year 2: £28,865
- Year 3: £29,508
- Year 4: £30,172
- Flexibility required for a 24/7 operation, with unpredictable finishing times. Shifts are set on a 12-week rota basis.
- Part-time working may be considered, provided it is across full working days (not reduced hourly flexibility).
"Keep people safe. Keep justice moving."
Responsibilities
As a PCO, your role includes:
- Escorting detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to ensure safety and security
- Managing sensitive situations while maintaining strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee welfare, including providing access to food, drink, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring behaviour and responding to incidents or risks
- Conducting searches to maintain a secure environment
- Completing accurate records and documentation
- Collaborating closely with court staff and partners to ensure smooth operations
Requirements
This role welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds; what matters is your commitment to making a positive impact. You will receive:
- Paid training: 5½-week induction plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues.
Key requirements:
- Full UK driving licence (Category B/B1) – (Desirable)
- Reasonable fitness due to the physical demands of the role
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
- Confidence in managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict
- Excellent teamwork abilities and accuracy in following processes
- Professionalism, integrity, and a strong understanding of confidentiality
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Benefits
- Holidays: 20 days per year (rising to 25 days after 7 years’ service), plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-timers)
- Pension: Contributory scheme with Serco-matched contributions (up to 6%)
- Training & Development:
- Structured induction and ongoing learning
- Access to internal courses and qualifications
- Mentoring and focus on internal progression
- Health & Wellbeing:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Support from MIND (charity)
- Savings through Simply Health (cash and dental plans)
- Access to global Serco gyms (discounts)
- Discounts:
- Savings across major retailers, experiences, and services, including:
- Merlin attractions
- Cinema & leisure
- Retail & hospitality
- Mobile phone plans
- Savings across major retailers, experiences, and services, including:
Our Recruitment Process
- Online application (eligibility questions + online assessments)
- Virtual assessment:
- Competency-based interview
- Short roleplay
- Online written exercise
- Initial right to work & clearance checks
- Job offer, including confirmation of training start date
Eligibility Checks & Further Info
- Security clearance: All offers are conditional on passing Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks (Enhanced DBS).
- Employment references, occupational health checks.
- Not eligible under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (disclosure applies).
- Random alcohol and drugs testing forms part of this role.
- Right to Work in the UK: Must hold one with at least 2 years validity + 1 year’s residency.
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Safeguarding
All colleagues must:
- Complete safeguarding training
- Follow Serco’s safeguarding policies.
#pecs #prisonercustodyofficercourts
About Serco
At Serco, we believe impactful work and meaningful careers go hand-in-hand. Our team of over 50,000 colleagues operates essential public services worldwide, such as defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services.
We focus on innovation, improving public service experiences, and fostering: 🔹 Inclusive leadership 🔹 Diversity networks, including SercoInspire (gender), SercoEmbrace (multiculturalism), SercoUnlimited (disability), In@Serco (LGBTQ+).*
Disability Inclusive Employer Standard
We are proud Disability Confident Leaders and holders of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria will be assessed based on their abilities in interviews.
Support Available
For assistance with your application, contact: j&icareersUK@serco.com
[Ban the Box Policy] Serco applies Ban the Box principles for some roles and extends fair access to people with unspent criminal convictions. For discussions, contact: j&icareersUK@serco.com
Apply Now
📩 Click the apply button to complete your application. Please apply promptly, as deadlines may move for high volumes of interest.
Serco values performance, potential, diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout.
🏆 [Hybrid Work: Many business areas operate a hybrid structure]
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