Location: Greenford Vehicle Base, UB6 9AP
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – your role is vital for keeping the justice system safe and secure. In addition to job security and stability you’ll receive:
- Initial Training Salary: £27,220 (35hrs pw)
- Graduated Base Salary: £31,108 (40 hrs pw), rising to £32,204 from 1st September 2026, with clear annual progression (Year 2: £32,998; Year 3: £33,723; Year 4: £34,482).
When combined with base salary and average overtime (8hrs pw), this gives a potential first‑year income of between £37,804 and £39,604!
We operate 24/6 across early and late shifts, so flexibility is essential. Finishing times can be unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond your contracted hours to meet operational demands. Shifts are set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance, giving you visibility to plan ahead. Part‑time working may be considered, but this must be across full working days, as reduced daily hours are not available.
Responsibilities
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a crew delivering safe and secure transport and custody services. You’ll escort detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring their welfare throughout. Depending on operational needs, you may remain at court, taking responsibility for detainees until their return to custody or release. Duties include escorting within courts and cells, searching, supporting welfare, and completing essential paperwork. Key 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, including 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
Our PCOs come from a range of backgrounds—what matters most is that you are reliable, trustworthy, compassionate, committed to safeguarding, and treat people with dignity and respect. In return you’ll receive full training through a 5½‑week paid program, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Requirements of the role:
- Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
- Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict.
- Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately.
- Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.
What We Offer
- Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro rata’d).
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme (matched by Serco).
- Training and development: Structured induction (5½ weeks), ongoing learning, access to internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and a strong focus on internal progression.
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from mental health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, discount on membership at Serco‑run gyms.
- Discounts: Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…