At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for residents in a fast-paced immigration removal centre.
- Company: Care & Custody, a leading provider of public services in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, free meals, gym access, and discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided on pay, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No experience necessary; just bring your people skills and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 32848 - 32848 £ per year.
Care & Custody will be holding assessment centres on the following dates: 20 & 21 of May 2026, 02 & 03 of June 2026.
Salary: £32,848.40 per annum
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Pension
- Life insurance
- Free meals on duty
- Free onsite parking
- Uniform provided
- Free gym use
- Retail and restaurant discount vouchers
No experience necessary; full training given on full pay.
Are you looking for a new role where you can genuinely make a difference to people's lives? Care & Custody is one of the leading providers of outsourced public services in the UK. We're looking for respectful, diligent and caring people to join our team of Detention Custody Officers (DCO). Specialising in custodial management services, we are responsible for managing Europe's largest Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), just outside Heathrow in UB7 0HB. We care for up to 1200 immigration residents providing custody services, welfare, regime and recreational activity.
The Role: Our DCOs work with extraordinary courage and resilience, keeping those in our care safe and secure. You will be joining a team whose job security is high based on delivering essential public services through this critical role. Working as a DCO within our team will provide you with the opportunity to maintain high standards of security and safety whilst promoting the welfare and decency of residents staying at our immigration removal centre. This is a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. As you gain experience within this challenging role, we'll support you throughout your time to grow and develop.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (shift work covering days and nights). Flexibility will be needed to work a mixture of short and long day shifts. The centre is operational 24/7/365 and your rolling roster covering 51 weeks will help you plan your work/life balance.
You must be eligible to obtain CTC clearance, which means you hold a valid UK passport, or EU passport with Share Code, or have ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from a Commonwealth country. You have lived and worked in the UK for 3 years with no extended (more than 3 months) trips overseas, have no criminal conviction or be part of an ongoing police investigation.
Who we’re looking for: Being a DCO demands people skills, patience, resilience, and professionalism to handle an ever-changing day. Those in our care come from a variety of backgrounds and you will need communication skills to support colleagues, work together and deliver an exceptional service to our residents. Previous experience of sensitively dealing with a variety of people who have been agitated, confused or angry would be an advantage.
Training (Initial Training Course): Once you have passed our selection and vetting process, you'll begin your Care and Custody career by undertaking our 5-week initial training course. Training is paid and is the first day of employment.
Specific Requirements: Please note that all offers of employment are subject to security clearance and enhanced background checks.
Benefits: Continued personal development with full support given to enhance your career. Ability to achieve a work/life balance. A benefits package including pension, private medical cover, share and MiDeals discount schemes with over 3000 offers available from your favourite retailers, leisure, and utilities companies. Free meals during working hours in addition to use of the IRC's fully equipped gym, free parking is also provided.
Detention Custody Officer - HIRC employer: Mitie Group plc.
Care & Custody is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where you can truly make a difference in people's lives as a Detention Custody Officer at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre. With comprehensive training provided from day one, competitive benefits including a pension, life insurance, free meals, and gym access, as well as opportunities for personal development, we prioritise your growth and well-being while ensuring job security in a vital public service role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer - HIRC
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what a Detention Custody Officer does and think about how your skills can fit in. This will help you stand out during the assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be working with a diverse group of individuals, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling different situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the unexpected! The environment is fast-paced, so think about how you can adapt quickly to changes. Show that you can keep calm under pressure during your assessment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you embark on this rewarding career.
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer - HIRC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about this role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight the skills and qualities that match what we're looking for. Think about how your past experiences can relate to the role of a Detention Custody Officer and show us why you're a great fit!
Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down the process, and we want to make sure we have everything we need to consider you for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie Group plc.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Detention Custody Officer involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as maintaining safety and security, and promoting the welfare of residents. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a DCO, you'll be working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, often in challenging situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your patience and professionalism will demonstrate that you have the right skills for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Resilience
This job can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so it's important to convey your ability to handle stress and adapt to changing circumstances. Think of specific instances where you've shown resilience in tough situations, whether in work or personal life, and be ready to share these during your interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewer and leave a positive impression.
