About the Role
Join us as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) where you’ll play a key role in helping keep the justice system safe and secure. As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a team to deliver safe and secure escorting and custody services, ensuring detainee welfare at all times during court proceedings. You’ll be responsible for detainees throughout court proceedings until their return to custody or release.
Responsibilities
- Escorting detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to maintain safety and security
- Managing sensitive situations and maintaining strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee welfare, including access to food, drink, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring behaviour and responding to incidents or risks
- Conducting searches to maintain a secure environment
- Completing accurate records and documentation
- Working closely with court staff and partners to ensure smooth operations
Requirements
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1) (desirable)
- 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
- Must have the right to work in the UK
- Visa must have at least two years remaining (if applicable)
- Must have at least one year’s UK residency (if applicable)
- All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and must complete the required training and follow our safeguarding policies.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Decision making
- Conflict de-escalation
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Confidentiality
Location
- Wimbledon Magistrates Court, SW19 7JP
Work Type
- Full-time
- Part-time (across full working days)
Experience Level
- Entry level (full training provided)
Salary/Compensations
- £28,179 (35hrs pw)
- Year 2: £28,865
- Year 3: £29,508
- Year 4: £30,172
Benefits
- 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
About the Company
- At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Equal Opportunity
- We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
- Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities and veterans who meet the minimum job criteria are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
