Serco Plc
Prisoner Escort & Driver
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Dual Badge Officer (DBO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – Watton Vehicle Base, IP25 6JB
About the Role
Join us as a Dual Badge Officer (DBO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), delivering essential court transport and custody services for adults, children, and young people. Your role will involve ensuring the safe and secure movement of detainees—keeping both individuals and the justice system secure.
- Location: Watton Vehicle Base, IP25 6JB
- Working hours: Flexible 24/7 shifts (8hrs pw average overtime included in salary)))
- Operating hours: Early and late shifts, with finishing times subject to operational demands
- Work pattern: Shifts set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance; part-time considered (whole working days only)
Operational environment: Unpredictability is normal—you may need to work beyond contracted hours when required. As a team, you’ll escort detainees, prioritise welfare, and ensure secure returns or releases in compliance with protocols.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits
| Package Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Training Salary | £24,596 (35 hours per week) |
| Graduated Base Salary (from Year 2) | Rises to £29,932 (Year 2), reaching £31,063 by Year 4 {[from 1st Sept 2026]} |
| Additional Allowances | £1,500 per year: £600 for driving + £900 for specialist training |
| Overtime Included Base | With an 8hrs average overtime per week, potential first-year income approaches £35,705 |
| Holiday Entitlement | 20 days (rises to 25 after 7 years) plus bank holidays |
| Pension | Up to 6% salary contribution (fully matched by Serco) |
| Training & Development | 5½-week paid induction, ongoing learning opportunities, internal courses, and mentoring |
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Key Responsibilities
As a Dual Badge Officer (DBO), your duties include:
-
Pre-departure:
- Attend briefings to receive route and detainee details
- Perform risk assessments and vehicle checks before transport
-
Transport & Security:
- Escort adult and young detainees per safeguarding protocols
- Support vulnerable individuals, engaging professionally and maintaining welfare standards
-
During Transit:
- Maintain confidentiality while supervising detainees
- Respond to emergencies with composure and appropriate decisiveness
-
Court Encirclement:
- Liaise with court staff and assist security if required
- Supervise detainees during proceedings
-
Closing Process:
- Return detainees to custody or facilitate releases
- Complete all paperwork and post-transport checks
Requirements
Essential:
✔ Full UK driving licence (B/B1 category) – pre-deployment requirement ✔ Physical fitness for operational demands (35hrs+ shifts, dynamic environments) ✔ Strong written and verbal communication ✔ Ability to stay calm under pressure, solve problems, and de-escalate conflict ✔ Compassionate and respectful treatment of detainees ✔ Dedication to safeguarding principles (working with children and young people)
Preferred:
✔ Experience in security, police, or transport roles (useful but no strict requirement)
Training & Ongoing Support
All applicants receive a 5½-week paid induction, including practical skills, safety compliance, confidentiality protocols, and role-executed scenarios.
About Serco
Serco is a global minecraft operating public service sectors—defence, justice, immigration, healthcare—with a specialised emphasis on libraries and services delivery. Our Dual Badge Officer teams make a tangible difference by keeping justice moving securely.
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Serco Advantages:
- Pioneering employee practices: We’re Disability Confident Leader accredited; an Inclusive Employer (Silver Standard)
- Targeted community networks:
- SercoInspire (gender equality)
- SercoEmbrace (multicultural support)
- SercoUnlimited (Disability Network)
- In@Serco (LGBTQ+ and allies)
- Flexible work discussions: Open to discussions around adjustments and hybrid arrangements, dependent on operational requirements.
- United by purpose: We objectively measure skill and potential, ensuring diversity and opportunities for all staff.
Application Process
- Online application with eligibility questions and online assessments
- Virtual panel assessment (competency-based + short role-play/ written exercise)
- Right-to-work checks
- Security clearance
- Job offer issuance
Eligibility & Required Checks:
- Recommended: Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 vetting (no exemptions)
- Enhanced DBS clearance required at pre-employment
- Satisfactory reference checks
- Occupational health & drug prevalence testing mandatory prior to start
- Proof of ability to legally work in the UK (2+ years visa validity required if applicable)
- Customers do not meet the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Criminal history publicly disclosed)
- Mandatory compliance with safeguarding training and alcohol/drug testing initiated at start.
Safe & Fair Recruitment
Serco is committed to: 🔹 Fair access through our "Ban the Box" policy (unless exempt due to operational security) 🔹 Strengthening diversity through collaboration with organisations like Stonewall and Scope
For assistance with accommodations (e.g. interview adjustments, application clarity): contact j&icareersuk@serco.com.
Dispute assistance requests: Please clarify rehabilitation rules when applying!
Apply today to join our mission: Keeping people safe, justice camaraderie, and moving our community forward.
#pecs #youthescortcustodyofficer
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