Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – Chelmsford CM1 1NT
Join us to keep people safe and justice moving as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS). You’ll play a vital role in ensuring secure escort services for detainees, supporting court proceedings while upholding welfare standards. Job security and stability are built into the role—plus the opportunity to progress over time.
Location & Work Hours
📍 Chelmsford, CM1 1NT 🕒 24/7 operations (across early and late shifts—flexibility is essential) ⏰ Namely hours: 35/week (rising salary structure) Famously unpredictable finishing times—you may work beyond contracted hours to meet operational demands.
Shifts are planned 12 weeks in advance, so you can plan ahead. Part-time options may apply, but must cover full working days (no reduced hourly rates).
About the Role
As a PCO, you’ll work within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) to deliver secure escort and custody services during criminal court proceedings. You’ll be responsible for detainees from their arrival until their return to custody or release, ensuring safety, security, and welfare.
Key Responsibilities
- Escorting detainees to/from courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to safeguard and secure the environment
- Handling confidential and sensitive situations with confidentiality and discretion
- Supporting detainee welfare (access to food, drink, and wellbeing checks)
- Monitoring behaviour and responding to incidents or risks as required
- Conducting searches to uphold security standards
- Completing precise records and documentation
- Collaborating closely with court staff and justice partners
How to Succeed in This Role
We hire people from diverse backgrounds—what matters is your dedication to the role. You’ll receive paid training through a 5½-week training programme, plus ongoing support from veteran colleagues.
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Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence (Category B/B1—desirable)
- Reasonable physical fitness for incident response and task demands
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to stay calm, think critically, and make decisive judgments under pressure
- Confidence in conflict de-escalation and behaviour management
- Rigorous adherence to safeguarding and confidentiality protocols
- Professionalism, prospectiveness in challenging environments
What We Offer
We support our team with career growth, work-life balance, and wellbeing benefits:
Remuneration
- Salary:
- £27,220 (35 hours/week)
- Gradually increasing to £28,179 from 1st September 2026
- Yearly progression (tit niet=False):
- Year 2: £28,865
- Year 3: £29,508
- Year 4: £30,172
Holidays & Benefits
- 20 days of annual leave (rising to 25 days after 7 years’ service)
- Pension scheme (we contribute up to 6% matched by Serco)
- Custom training: Induction (5½ weeks paid), mentoring scheme, internal DBS checks prep
- Wellness support:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Minds mental wellbeing assistance
- Simply Health savings package for cash/dental plans
- Discounts on retail savings programmes, experiences, and top attractions
Work Culture & Diversity
Serco prides itself on supporting inclusivity and progression. Our Global Employee Networks foster a culture of belonging: 🌱 SercoInspire (Equality for all) 🌍 SercoEmbrace (Multicultural Diversity) ⚡ SercoUnlimited (For disabilities) ✨ In@Serco (LGBTQ+ inclusion)
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Recruitment Process
- Online Application: Eligibility quiz + assesissements to screen relevant skills
- Virtual Assessment: Interviews, roleplays, and case analyses
- Vetting: Right to work & security checks (Enhanced DBS)
- Offer: Conditional asof DBS release
Key Eligibility Checks
✅ Job offer depends on:
- "Enhanced Level 2 checks, DBS security clearance, references, occupational health requirements -icileation rawt the 1974 Rehabilitation Act"
Random drug /alcohol testing compliance is mandatory.
🔴 Work Permits Note:
- This role requires two full men’s validity year on your VISA:s name (or permanent UK residency) -Current UK Home Office policies forbid Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is paramount. This role blends serco-accredited training with short-listed policy compliance rigor.
About Serco
Serco plays a wide role in UK public sector essentials including: -Secure transport, defence services, health, and immigration. —At Serco— we do it all as 50,000 colleagues, constantly aiming to make local public services fit better-for-generations-ahead. We’re a Disability Confident Employer, proudly championing flexible work structures.
Are You Ready? Apply Today
📧 [Apply Button] ⚠️ Tip:
- Apply early—volumetric applications may prompt early deadlines and we may close fast.
- If you have an support-facing criminal record, join us in our commitment to fair hiring: contact jiecareersUK@serco.com for guidance.
We’re thrilled to support a varied workforce by making reasonable adjustments for access—to-interviewing. Targeted support starts even before the offer stage.
#pecs #prisonercustodyofficercourts
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