Serco Plc
Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) (Buckingham Vehicle Base, MK18 1TN)
Join us to become a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you’ll help maintain the security of the justice system.
Overview
You’ll work as part of a team delivering essential safe custody transport services, escorting detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts while ensuring their welfare throughout. Roles include:
- Escorted transport and court welfare management
- Vehicle and equipment checks
- Searching and documentation processes
Shift patterns are 24/7, with flexibility required for unexpected operational demands. Contract hours initially 35 hours per week, increasing to 40 post-training, with clear progression in pay.
Salary & Benefits
Salary Structure
- Initial training: £24,596 (35 hrs pw)
- Graduated Base Salary: £28,109 (40 hrs pw), rising to £29,205 from 1st September 2026
- Annual progression (pro-rated):
- Year 2: £29,932
- Year 3: £30,496
- Year 4: £31,063
Additional Earnings
With standard overtime (8 hrs pw on average), advantages include:
- £40,000+ potential annual income (between £34,805–£36,605 in Year 1 + driving allowances)
- Driving allowances (eligibility dependent on licence & vehicle)*
- B/B1 licence: £600/year
- C1 licence: £2,400/year
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Key Responsibilities
- Attend briefings for safety risk analysis
- Conduct vehicle checks and pre-trip preparations
- Safely collect, transport, monitor, and escort detainees
- Meet Welfare requirements with checkpoints and comfort pauses
- Complete documentation/end-of-shift reports
- Respond to operational emergencies (beyond regular shifts)
Requirements
The role depends on trust, reliability, compassion, and competence—not formal experience:
- Full UK driving license (preferably B1/C1, valid vesting recognised)
- (C1 licence: ideally with a valid CPC)
- Reasonable fitness for physical demands (e.g. lifting, standing)
- Strong communication skills (written & verbal)
- Adaptability under pressure for secured transport operations
- Ability to de-escalate conflict and manage behaviours
- Professionalism + integrity grater significance
What You Gain
Training & Career Growth
- Paid 5.5-week training programme
- Ongoing support, mentoring, and internal certifications
- Clear progression opportunities within Justice, Security, and Escort Services
Work-Life Support
- 20–25 days holiday (prorata), including bank holidays
- Pension match contribution (guest up to 6% match)
- Healthcare: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Simply Health cash + dental, and Mind workplace support
- Discounts: Across leisure, retail, travel, and gyms (including Serco-run facilities)
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Inclusion & Access
Serco is a Gold Inclusive Employer, actively promoting diversity. Notably:
- Reasonable adjustments for all candidates
- Flexibility conversations encouraged
- Support for Skilled Worker visa holders meets criteria stipulated
Process & Safeguarding
- Applications include online assessments and virtual roleplay
- Final decision follows: ✅ Right-to-work checks ✅ Enhanced DBS (Level 2) ✅ Psychometric e-testing ✅ Occupational health clearance
- Job offer contingent on satisfied employment references + biodiversity waivers.
Safeguarding & Policy
Every colleague must complete safeguarding training and align with policies to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Why Serco?
Serco pivots global-scale public services, ensuring safety, efficiency, and support across education, transport, transport, defence, health, and justice.
As a PCO, your role is to impact justice through precision, conscience, and commitment. Apply today. Open positions fill fast—submit promptly.
(#hashtags for reach: #pecs | #prisonerescortandcustodiodriver)
Need further guidance? Contact: j&icareersUK@serco.com
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