Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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** prisons.gov.uk/jobs/prisoner-custody-officer**
Location
Ipswich, IP1 2AP
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Join us and play a key role in safeguarding the justice system by ensuring safe and secure escort and custody services across courts.
[Key Facts]
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Job Title: Prisoner Custody Officer
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Division: Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
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Salary: £24,596 per year (35hrs/week) ✨ Rising to £25,555 from 1st September 2026 Clear annual progression:
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180
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Operating Hours: 24/7 — Shifts include early and late rotas (operational needs may extend hours beyond contract).
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Rota Planning: Set 12 weeks in advance for flexibility.
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Working Pattern: Full days only (no reduced hours).
About the Role
"Keep people safe. Keep justice moving."
As a PCO, you will:
- Be part of a dedicated team providing secure escort and custody services during court proceedings.
- Ensure detainee welfare while maintaining operational safety.
- Key duties include:
- Escorting detainees within courts (cells, courtrooms, facilities)
- Supervising detainees during hearings (maintaining safety and security)
- Managing sensitive situations with strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee wellbeing (food, drink, welfare checks)
- Monitoring behaviour, de-escalating incidents, and conducting safety searches
- Completing accurate administrative records and training reports
- Collaborating with court staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations
What You Bring to the Role
Experience or a specific background isn’t required—what matters is your universal commitment to safety, security, and fairness.
Minimum Requirement
- Paid training: 5½-week induction programme guaranteed, plus ongoing mentorship.
Core Personal Attributes
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1) – highly desirable
- Reasonable fitness to meet physical demands of role
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to stay calm and make fast, ethical decisions under pressure
- Experience in managing difficult behaviour and de-escalation
- Strong teamwork and accuracy in following processes
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality
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Why Join Serco?
A clear, lifelong career path with stability, growth opportunities and family-friendly benefits:
Offer Summary
| Category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Salary | Progression plan as outlined above |
| Holidays | 20 days (+ bank holidays) – progressing to 25 days after 7 years. Pro-rata’d for part-time. |
| Pension | Up to 6% company-matched contribution, fully accessible via Serco’s pension scheme. |
| Training & Devt | Structured mentoring and professional development including: |
- Access to in-house courses and qualifications
- Mentorship programmes at every step | Wellbeing | Holistic support covering:
- Mental Health Darcy: Animated support through local charity MIND
- Healthcare plans: Simply Health cash benefits + dental
- Serco Global Gyms: Discount on membership | Discounts | Wide-ranging benefits including:
- Exclusive savings across major retailers/hospitality (Merlin attractions, cinema, telecommunications). | Inclusivity | Global Employee Networks:
- SercoInspire (gender)
- SercoEmbrace (DEI equity)
- SercoUnlimited (disability)
- In@Serco (LGBTQ+) | L&D Philosophy | Each principled colleague encouraged to thrive with:
- Hybrid or on-site flexibility, personalised adjustments at interview/employment applying to discriminated groups.
- World-leading diversity achievements (Disability Confident, Gold Inclusive Employer)
Our Team
Serco delivers ground-breaking public services worldwide. As an employee you and your colleagues specialise across critical sectors such as: defence, transport, justice, healthcare, citizen services. In a vibrant culture, your deeds align with public good.
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Next Steps
- Online assessments ➡
- Eligibility questions + Cognitive tests
- Virtual Assessment centre: Competency interview + roleplay + practical exercise
- Security vetting & initial checks (antikan DBS, references, health)
- Welcome offer with start date confirmation
Assurance
- Security policies guarantee children and vulnerable adults’ safeguarding, encompassing mandatory training per policies.
⚠ Eligibility Criteria: ✅ Right to Work: Individuals REQUIRED to have proven eligibility. (Skilled Worker visa sponsorship unavailable.) Parameters:
- Valid UK visa (>2 years remaining)
- Minimum 1 year UK residency confirmed. ✅ DBS vetting: Enhanced Level 2 checks by Ministry of Justice. ✅ Occupational health tests and reference checkspected.
A legacy of safeguarding illegal substance use (all role holders tested randomly for alcohol/drugs) and compliance with categories of permissions under ' employment. You’re expected to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
Ready To Begin?
Apply now at [serco.com/careers]. If volume overwhelming, deadlines may advance. Act promptly. queries? Email j&icareersUK@serco.com.
We see people for performance and potential, not limitations. Committed to understandable distinctions within our selection process for underrepresented but qualified candidates.
Serco believes in fair access, accepting unspent convictions through our: Ban the Box pledge Minimum role security expectations may excuse exemptions**,* contact us via j&icareersUK@serco.com for context-specific discussion.
#pepcs #prisonercustodyofficercourts #recruiting
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