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- Tasks: Join a team ensuring safety and security while escorting detainees in court.
- Company: Be part of a vital service in the justice system, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just a commitment to helping others and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a rota provided 12 weeks in advance for work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 19400 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford Crown or Magistrates Court
Salary: £23,402 per annum
Permanent roles offering job stability & security.
Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a professional team that plays a vital role in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day.
We also offer:
- Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
- Continuous training & development opportunities.
- Annual base salary increment (year 2 - £23,984 / year 3 - £24,436 / year 4 - £24,890).
- Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance.
- 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
- A range of benefits to support health and wellbeing such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
- Access to discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
- A supportive team & culture focused on diversity and inclusion.
We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key due to the nature of the role, with different working arrangements & additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable; however, we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.
About the Role:
As a PCO at our court, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. Key duties include:
- Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court.
- Monitoring and supervising detainees during court sessions.
- Maintaining discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
- Listening to harrowing testimonies while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
- Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day.
- Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment.
- Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals.
- Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately.
- Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
What you need to do the job!
Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences. What matters is your commitment to making a difference to the lives of others. Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care.
Our Assessment Process:
- Briefing call to assess eligibility.
- Competency based Virtual Interview.
- Short role-play and written exercise.
Additional Information:
All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules.
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the court system and the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Understanding the responsibilities and challenges faced in this position will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing challenging situations or working in high-pressure environments. This could include roles in security, customer service, or even volunteer work that showcases your ability to remain calm and professional.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the competency-based virtual interview by practising common situational questions. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to detainee management and safety, as these will likely come up during your assessment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by being clear and concise during the interview. Since the role requires good verbal and written communication, practice articulating your thoughts effectively to make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Emphasise any previous roles that involved responsibility, communication, or working under pressure.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the justice system. Mention specific reasons why you want to work as a PCO and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as communication, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations. Provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills in action.
Prepare for the Assessment Process: Familiarise yourself with the assessment process outlined in the job description. Practice competency-based interview questions and prepare for the role-play and written exercise to showcase your suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties such as escorting detainees, maintaining their wellbeing, and ensuring court security. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used your verbal and written communication skills in past experiences. Highlight any situations where you had to manage challenging conversations or provide support to others, as this will show your ability to handle sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism
During the interview, maintain a professional demeanour. This includes being punctual, dressing appropriately, and showing respect to everyone you interact with. Remember, as a PCO, you'll be part of the judicial process, so showcasing your professionalism is essential.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Since the assessment process includes role-play exercises, practice responding to potential scenarios you might face as a PCO. Think about how you would handle difficult situations, ensure safety, and support detainees. This preparation will help you feel more confident during the interview.
