Prisoner Custody Officer

Role

Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – responsible for ensuring safe transport of detainees between prisons, police stations and courts. This role provides job security and stability.

Pay

• Initial Training Salary: £24,596 (35hrs pw)
• Graduated Base Salary: £28,109 (40 hrs pw), 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 (including average overtime of 8hrs pw): £34,805 – £36,605

Location

Woking Vehicle Base, GU21 3BA

Working Hours

24/6 – early and late shifts. Rotas released 12 weeks in advance. Flexibility required; may need to work beyond contracted hours. Part‑time only available for full working days.

Responsibilities

• Attend briefings and receive detainee, route and risk details
• Carry out vehicle and equipment checks
• Collect, search and transport detainees safely
• Monitor welfare during transport (checks and comfort stops)
• Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments
• Complete end‑of‑shift checks, reporting and documentation
• Work flexibly, including extended hours and responding to incidents

Requirements

• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict
• Teamwork and ability to follow processes accurately
• Professionalism, integrity and respect for confidentiality

Benefits

• Holidays: 20 days (raising to 25 after 7 years), plus bank holidays (pro‑rated)
• Pension: Up to 6 % contributory scheme (matched by Serco)
• Training & development: 5½‑week induction, ongoing learning, mentoring and progression opportunities
• Health & wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, support from MIND, health cash plan and dental plans, well‑being resources, gym membership discounts
• Discounts: savings across retailers, leisure, cinema, mobile plans, etc.

Recruitment Process

• Online application with eligibility questions and assessments
• Virtual assessment: competency‑based interview, short‑role play and written exercise
• Right‑to‑work, vetting and documentation checks
• Job offer and confirmation of training start date

Eligibility Checks

Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, employment references, occupational health checks. Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

Visa & Work Eligibility

Role not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and, if holding a visa, at least two years remaining and one year’s UK residency for required checks.

Safety & Diversity

All colleagues must complete safeguarding training and follow safeguarding policies. Serco is a disabled confident leader and holds the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard. We encourage applications from diverse candidates.

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