Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services
Location: Yeovile Magistrates Court, BA20 1SW
Join us at Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you’ll play a key role in maintaining the safety and security of the justice system. We offer:
- Job Security & Stability
- Salary: £24,596 per year (35 hrs/week), rising to £25,555 effective 1st September 2026
- Clear annual progression path:
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180
Role & Responsibilities
Fixated by justice and safety? As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO), you'll work across a 24/7 operation, supporting secure escorts and custody services in magistrates' courts. Your responsibilities include:
- Escorting detainees safely between court areas, cells, and facilities
- Maintaining security and welfare during hearings, including monitoring behaviour and welfare checks
- Managing sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion
- Immediate incident response to risks or disruptive behaviour
- Conducting archway and cell searches per security protocols
- Accurate record-keeping for detainees and security operations
- Collaborating with court staff and partners to ensure seamless court processes
Requirements
This role demands commitment, resilience, and professionalism. No formal qualifications required—implicitly, we act on aptitude and attitude.
Essential Qualities & Skills: ▸ Full UK Driving Licence (category B or B1) (desirable but advantageous for remote locations) ▸ Reasonable physical fitness for shifting custody needs ▸ Strong communication skills – both written reporting and verbal clarity under pressure ▸ Calm judgment to assess risk and stay composed during incidents ▸ Conflict resolution experience – ability to de-escalate tough situations tactically ▸ Teamwork and detail-oriented processes (strict priority-based operational requirements) ▸ Professional discretion – adherence to strict confidentiality standards
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Role Disclosures: ⚠️ Applicants must undergo:
- Enhanced DBS check Level 2 MINISTRY OF JUSTICE clearance
- Satisfactory work history references
- Disability/reflammatory policy checks (applicable per Serco safeguarding training) ⚠️ Random substance testing applies. Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship unavailable – only UK employés with double-qualification eligibility apply.
What We Offer:
Compensation & Benefits
▹ Starting salary from up to £27,180 by Year 4 ▹ Paid annual leave: 20 days + 8 bank holidays (ramping to 25 days after 7 years)
Career Growth
▹ 5.5-week structured induction + ongoing support from senior custody colleagues ▹ Flexible roles encouraging cordial work-life balance counteracts unpredictable operational shifts
Wellbeing
▹ Access to:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Mental health support for signposting via MIND
- Simply Health discounts on cash/health plans (medical/dental exon)
- Access to Serco-affiliated gym memberships
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Savings & Locations
▹ Discounted memberships offering cinemas, transport passes, Merlin attractions, shopping holidays, and technology plans
Application Process
- Online Application – completing eligibility vetting questions and mental ability exercises
- Virtual Assessment Panels
- Role-solving roleplay
- Skills showcase portfolio project
- Compass test exercise
- Qualification Verification (DBS, job references, occupational health if needed)
Direct offer upon successful checks.
Safeguarding Commitment: Ensuring proper behaviour towards vulnerable individuals are tenure protocols at Serco. Mandatory training delivered.
About Serco (Inclusion, Innovation, Impact)
We’re a pioneering public service leader, empowering 50,000 global colleagues across defence, transport, healthcare, and justice domains. As Proud Disability Confident applicants and Gold Inclusive Employer standard holders, we champion equality and adapt fairness for all abilities.
Seeking strong partnerships with performers of potential, from diverse backgrounds. SercoInspire ➡️ SercoEmbrace 🌍 (@Disability) System enhancements start with You.
Find guidance below at j&icareersUK@serco.com – priority communication re: reasonable adjustments or timeline consultation.
Apply first. Early phase herd discounts offer closing yourself in ! #pecs #guarding #justicesecurity
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