Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location: Rushmoor Vehicle Base, GU12 5QF
Join us as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you'll play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of the justice system. This role offers job security, stability, and the following benefits:
Initial Training &Salary
- Pay plan: £24,596 (35 hours per week) – prorated to £2145/month (start salary)
- Graduated base salary (after training): £28,109 (40h pw), rising to £29,205 from 1 September 2026
- Annual progression:
- Year 2: £29,932
- Year 3: £30,496
- Year 4: £31,063
- Annual progression:
Additional Earnings
Potential earnings include driving allowances (dependent on licence type and vehicle driven):
- B/B1 Licence: £600/year
- C1 Licence: £2,400/year
- D Licence: £2,700/year
With average overtime (8 hrs/week) included, a first-year income could range between £34,800 and £36,900.
Working flexibility & Environment
- You’ll be required to work 24/7 shifts, including early and late, with unpredictable finish times
- You may need to work beyond contracted hours during operational demands
- Rota provided 12 weeks in advance for visibility planning
- Part-time working may be considered, subject to full shifts*
About the Role
"Keep people safe. Keep justice moving."
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a custody crew delivering safe and secure transportation and custody services, including:
- Escorting detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts
- Ensuring detainees’ welfare, including phone stops and pharmacy collection if applicable
- Managing detention until release or return to custody
- Searching and escorting detainees in secure cells and high-security environments
- Completing administration, paperwork, and reporting duties
Key Responsibilities
- Attend briefings to receive detainee, route, and risk details.
- Conduct vehicle and equipment checks before deployment.
- Carefully collect, search, and transport detainees safely and securely.
- Monitor and place a personal focus on welfare, including comfort stops and medical checks.
- Deliver detainees to courtrooms, holding cells, or interprison facilities.
- Complete careful end-of-shift documentation covering observation and visits.
- Work within flexible requirements, including identifying incidents and handling emergencies while keeping hard copies of data for legal and operational review.
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What You’ll Need for This Role
At Serco, we value trustworthiness, compassion, and integrity above all. The only criteria for this job are:
- Full UK driving licence: An lorry (C) or personal (B/B1) licence is essential, dependent on position
- C1 or D licence holders should hold a valid CPC / Tachograph
- A basic level of reasonable fitness for physical demands
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to stay composed under pressure
- Experience in managing conflict, maintaining professionalism, and making timely decisions
- A commitment to safeguarding, treating detainees and colleagues with dignity and respect
- Willingness to follow processes precisely
Training & Support
You’ll receive 5.5 weeks of paid training, covering custody duties, defensive driving, and charting incident reports. Upon completion, you’ll begin post-training duties with ongoing career development, including mentoring and progression opportunities within PECS.
What We Offer
At Serco, we ensure your well-being and growth with comprehensive benefits, including:
- Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 days after 7 years’ service) + bank holidays (pro-rated).
- Pension: Up to 6% contribution, matched by Serco (2%–12% employee contributions possible).
- Training & Development: Structured 5.5-week induction, access to certifications, and mentoring.
- Wellbeing Programs: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health support, and cash plans (e.g., Simply Health).
- Discounts: Savings across retailers, transport, hospitality, and leisure offers.
- Employment Support: Access to disability-friendly environments and diversity networks.
The Application Process
- Online Application: Large eligibility questions and online assessments for the knowledge required to complete tasks on time.
- Virtual Assessment: Involves a competency-based interview, short objective role-play, and a written exercise assessed online.
- Vetting & Checks: Confirmation of right to work, security clearance, occupational health assessments, and references.
- Definitive Offer: Successful candidates will receive an offer after passing DBS security checks/health review with a scheduled training start date.
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Eligibility & Security
- All applicants must have an UK Right to Work status.
- This role meets a 6 Enhanced DBS requirement.
- No sponsorship is available under current UK Visas regulations.
- Everyone in this role must undergo regular alcohol and drug testing.
Safeguarding Commitment
- Every employee must complete legal training and adhere to safeguarding policies for vulnerable adults.
- Failure to comply risks disqualification from receiving full benefits.
Serco’s Commitments
Apply today! As we undergo constant evolution to meet the needs of modern society, motions are always available. We employ many catalysts for change, showcasing a vibrant and diverse culture by enabling colleagues to bring different angles and skill-sets to the team. come in, have fun and impact great things.
--- Contact & queries: For more clarity on application steps, email our in-house recruits at j&icareersuk[@]serco.com!
Disability Confident Leader
We actively participate in disability inclusive working practices supported by the Silver Inclusive Employer standard, and embrace fair opportunities for all. We highly encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Apply Now: Serco Careers (Note bilingual, writing an optimised application is welcome!)
About Serco
At Serco, our mission is to deliver essential public services for the well-being of society. Our 50,000+ employees operate in sectors including defence, justice, immigration, healthcare, and transport. By joining Serco, you align with a global team of innovators dedicated to improving public services.
Our initiatives, including:
- SercoInspire (women competitiveness),
- SercoEmbrace (community multicultural bonds),
- Disability and In@Serco (LGBT-focused network), all seek to promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
For further information or advice regarding any part of the process, email j&icareersuk[@]serco.com – we’re here to help!
Accessibility Tips: We welcome all individuals, regardless of background or disability, to apply. Providing essential adjustments will not stop this eligibility.
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