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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