Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer

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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location
Huntingdon Law Court, PE29 3DW
About the Role
Join Serco’s Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)—where you’ll play a critical role in safeguarding the justice system with honesty and professionalism. As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO), you’ll ensure secure transport and custody of detainees through court proceedings while prioritising welfare and operational security.
Who You’ll Be
We seek individuals with a commitment to fairness, resilience, and teamwork—more important than past experience. All candidates undergo a 5½-week paid training programme, followed by ongoing mentorship.
Salary & Progression
- Starting Salary: £24,596 (35 hours per week)
- Annual Progression:
- Year 2: £26,191
- Year 3: £26,684
- Year 4: £27,180
- Future Pay Rise: Increment to £25,555 from 1 September 2026
Operates 24/7, with periods covering early/late shifts as part of a 12-week rota, offering predictability with flexible requirements to respond to operational needs.
Your Key Responsibilities
As a PCO, you’ll:
- Safely escort detainees between courtrooms, cells, and offices.
- Monitor and mitigate risks during hearings/transfers.
- Conduct searches, document incidents, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Uphold detainee welfare, including hydration, nutrition, and wellbeing checks.
- Work transparently with prison/court staff to maintain smooth operations.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
Eligible candidates should meet:
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1), highly desirable but not mandatory.
- Good physical/fitness qualifications for active duties.
- Clear communication skills & ability to stay composed under pressure.
- Decisiveness, self-discipline, integrity, and a caring but firm approach.
- Commitment to confidentiality within sensitive, stretch-adjustment-null environments.
Why Choose Serco?
- Stability & Confidence: Job security and clear progression targets.
- Holidays: 20 days + bank holidays (rising to 25 days post-7 years).
- Pension: Contributory scheme matched up to 6% by Serco.
- Training: Structured on-boarding, mentoring, and certification opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing: Access to corporate gyms, charity counselors (MIND), insurance via Simply Health (employees receive handsomely discounted dental & vision).
- Perks: Retail savings (including Disney, cinema, and hospitality discounts) and flexibleciplines mirroring however public service values deeply core.
Eligibility ✅ Applicants must pass Enhanced DBS checks and hold valid UK residency** for a minimum of 1 year (with a 2-year visa expiry remaining to qualify for security work counter-signatures). ✅ Random substance testing applies to all positions. ✅ Role not eligible for sponsorship or inducted through Home Office's Skilled Worker routes. All candidates must have immediate work rights.


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--- unfairly impact with less value—not expected. At Serco, we challenge preconceptions through ** employers policies and transparent recruitment rules.
Regulatory Compliance All staff partake in safeguarding training meant to protect vulnerable people. Mandatory adherence to Serco safeguarding policies must be met.
Recruitment Process
- Online Application Including eligibility screening and online assessments.
- Virtual Competency Assessment Covers;
- Written exercise *
- Short scenario roleplay *
- Case study-style interview *all via.
- Initial right-to-work & required vetting checks, approved.
- Offer with confirmation of training date.
Further Note:
Serco is a recognized leader in diversity and rational inclusion.
- Adaptations for applicants with disabilities oral / neuro-restrictions, or other.
- ‘Ban the Box’ policies allay concerns about minor past convictions.
Serco Overview
Joining Serco means contributing to essential public services globally—over 50,000 colleagues ensure accountability toward delivering services in justice incarceration, transport, healthcare, defense, and citizen living welfare.
As part of this, employees connect through SercoInspire (gender equity groups), SercoEmbrace (multicultural focus network).
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
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