Serco Plc
Youth Escort & Custody Driver
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Youth Escort Custody Officer (ECO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), Bristol
Location
Bristol Vehicle Base, BS11 8HT
Join us in an essential role where you’ll help maintain the safety and security of the justice system as a Youth Escort Custody Officer (ECO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS).
Competitive Salary & Progression
- Initial training salary: £24,596 (35 hours per week)
- Graduated base salary: £28,109 (40 hours per week), rising to £29,205 from 1st September 2026, with clear annual progression:
- Year 2: £29,932
- Year 3: £30,496
- Year 4: £31,063
Potential first-year income: Up to £34,805 when combined with base salary and average 8 hours per week of overtime. Benefit from a £600 annual driving allowance (subject to terms).
Nature of the Role
We help ensure safe, secure, and professional transport and custody services for children and young people across the criminal justice system. Your duties include:
Key Responsibilities
- Attend briefings and receive route and detainee details
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure vehicle checks
- Liaise with secure establishments to confirm movements
- Support and interact with young people during transport
- Share relevant information with court staff and supervise them
- Return or hand over detainees while completing checks and paperwork
- Handle diverse situations while supporting vulnerable individuals
- Ensure child welfare throughout custody and transport
What We Look For
We are seeking individuals who are reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate, with a strong commitment to safeguarding and treating people with dignity and respect. You do not need prior experience in custody, but the following attributes are essential:
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- Full UK driving licence (Category B/B1) – essential
- Reasonable fitness for physical demands of the role
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to stay calm and make informed decisions under pressure
- Experience in managing challenging behaviour and de-escalating conflict
- Reliable teamwork and adherence to processes
- High standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
- Genuine interest in working with children and young people
Our 5½-week paid training program will prepare you fully for the role, supported by experienced colleagues.
Benefits
- 20 days paid holiday (rising to 25 days after 7 years), plus bank holidays (pro-rated)
- Pension scheme: Up to 6% contribution (matched by Serco)
- Training and development: Structured induction, ongoing learning, mentoring, and internal qualification access
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from MIND, Simply Health (cash and dental plans), Gym membership discounts, and wellbeing resources
- Discounts: Savings on major retailers, attractions (e.g., Merlin, cinemas, transport, hospitality), mobile plans, and more
- Hybrid working options (where applicable) and flexible role adjustments
Recruitment Process
- Online application with eligibility questions and assessments
- Virtual assessments including:
- Competency-based interview
- Short roleplay
- Written exercises
- Right to work and security checks
- Job offer, subject to recovery of employment references, vetting (Enhanced DBS), and occupational health checks
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Further Requirements:
- Job eligibility: Enhanced Level 2 Ministry of Justice checks with DBS clearance
- Respective applications may be refused if an individual has been convicted of criminal offences that make them unsuitable for the role. Some candidates may require exemptions from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Random alcohol/drug testing
- UK work eligibility: Must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship unavailable for visas.
Safeguarding principles apply, requiring all candidates to complete safeguarding assessments and adhere to policies protecting children and vulnerable adults.
About Serco
At Serco, we believe every individual has the power to create real change. Our diverse teams deliver critical services in areas like defence, justice, healthcare, and transport, while championing innovation and inclusion.
Key employee networks include:
- SercoInspire (Gender Equality)
- SercoEmbrace (Multicultural)
- SercoUnlimited (Disability)
- In@Serco (LGBTQ+)
Serco is committed to diversity, inclusion, employee well-being, and supporting fair career access. We are a proud Gold Inclusive Employer Standard-holder and Disability Confident Leader, ensuring reasonable adjustments at every stage.
Apply today to ensure your role can make a positive impact. Applications close early in high-volume periods—please apply promptly.
For support with your application, email: j&icareersUK@serco.com.
#PECS #YouthEscortCustodyOfficer
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