Serco Plc
Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location: Bedford Vehicle Base, MK44 1FD
Join us to play a key role in keeping the justice system safe and secure as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS).
Salary & Benefits
- Initial Training Salary: £27,220 (35 hours per week)
- Graduated Base Salary: £31,108 (40 hours per week), rising progressively:
- Year 1: £31,108 → £32,204 (from 1st September 2026)
- Year 2: £32,998
- Year 3: £33,723
- Year 4: £34,482
- Additional Earnings:
- B/B1 License: £600 per year
- C1 License: £2,400 per year (eligibility subject to vehicle type and licence)
- Potential First-Year Income (including overtime): £37,804–£39,604
Work Environment & Availability
PECS operates 24/7, with early and late shifts demanded. Finishing times may be unpredictable, and you may work overtime beyond contracted hours. Rosters are provided 12 weeks in advance to allow planning.
Note on Part-Time Work: Part-time working is possible but must consist of full working days—reduced daily hours are not available.
About the Role
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a crew to deliver safe and secure prisoner transport and custody. Your duties include:
- Escorting detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts
- Ensuring detainee welfare, including medical needs and dignity
- Court duties, where you may manage detainees until their return to custody or release
- Key Responsibilities:
- Attend briefings to receive detainee, route, and risk specifics
- Perform vehicle and equipment checks
- Safely collect, search, and transport detainees
- Monitor welfare during transit (including comfort breaks)
- Deliver detainees to designated locations
- Complete end-of-shift checks, reports, and documentation
- Work flexibly, including responding to emergencies
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Requirements
To succeed as a PCO, you must meet the following:
- Full UK driving licence (essential) – B1 or C1 (depending on role requirements, with CPC preferred if C1)
- Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to stay composed under pressure
- Experience managing behaviour and conflict
- Dependable, compassionate, and committed to safeguarding
- Guided by professionalism, integrity, and respectful treatment of all individuals
Support & Training
Full paid training (5½ weeks) provided, with ongoing mentorship from experienced colleagues.
What We Offer
Career Progression & Development
- Comprehensive structured induction
- Access to training courses, mentorship, and internal progression
- Strong focus on growth opportunities within the organisation
Wellbeing Support
- 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from Mind
- Simply Health cash & dental plan
- Discounted access to Serco-run gyms and wellbeing resources
Discounts & Benefits
- Savings opportunities across major retailers, hospitality, attractions, leisure, cinema, and mobile plans
Recruitment Process
- Online application (eligibility questions & online assessments)
- Virtual assessment (competency-based interview & short roleplay)
- Right to work & vetting checks (DBS clearance, references, occupational health)
- Job offer & training start date confirmation
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Eligibility & Compliance
- Minimum standards: Enhanced Level 2 Ministry of Justice checks with Enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and health checks required.
- No automatic reinstatement under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exempted due to security clearance).
- Random alcohol and drug testing applies.
- Day One Visa Policy: Not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Candidates must have:
- Lawful right to work in the UK
- At least two years remaining on visa (or sufficient UK residency)
- Must meet required counter-signatory checks where applicable.
Safeguarding Commitment
All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, with mandatory training and adherence to Serco’s Safeguarding Policies.
About Serco
Serco delivers essential public services globally, including defence, justice, healthcare, and transport. As part of a 50,000-strong team, you’ll contribute to safeguarding systems while enjoying:
✔ Global employee networks (SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited, In@Serco) ✔ Disability Confident Leader & Gold Inclusive Employer Standard Certification ✔ Fair access to employment for those with unspent convictions (subject to role criteria)
Serco fosters attention to diversity, inclusion, and flexible working policies, ensuring all employees thrive.
Apply now: Apply (links or contact details would be included in the original form).
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