Prisoner Custody Officer in Cheltenham

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. In addition to job security and stability we offer:

• Salary: £24,596 (35hrs pw), rising to £25,555 from 1st September 2026
• Further clear annual progression (Year 2: £26,191; Year 3: £26,684; Year 4: £27,180)

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.

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. Key duties include:

• 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

What you need to do the job! Our PCO's come from a wide range of backgrounds-what matters most is your commitment to making a difference. You'll receive full training through a 5-week paid training course, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Requirements of the role:

• 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

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 (5 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

Our recruitment process includes an online application with eligibility questions and online assessments, a virtual assessment with a competency-based interview, short role play, and written exercise (online), initial right to work and vetting documentation checks, job offer, and confirmation of your training start date.

Eligibility checks and further information: Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory employment references, and occupational health checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All roles are subject to random alcohol and drug testing. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office regulations. You must have the right to work in the UK. If you do have a visa, it must have at least two years remaining, and you must have at least one year's UK residency (to enable required counter signatory checks by a recognised professional). All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and must complete the required training and follow our safeguarding policies.

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)
• 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 the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans and more
• Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts and more
• A supportive team & culture where you'll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion

We are operational 24/6 and you'll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as due to the nature of the role there are a range of 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 to do the things you enjoy & love.

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. During court proceedings, you'll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it's time for them to return to custody or be released. Key duties include:

• Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. This may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
• Monitoring and supervising detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Being privy to sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, including testimonies, legal arguments etc. Maintaining discretion and confidentiality is paramount.
• Being prepared to listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence. It is crucial to maintain professionalism and provide support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
• Ensuring that detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
• Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise.
• Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
• Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents, and any other relevant information.
• Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.

What you need to do the job! Our current PCO's come to us with different work & life experiences, what you've done before doesn't matter, what matters is that you're committed to making a difference to the lives of others - the rest you will learn during your 5 1/2-weeks training course and through our experienced colleagues. Ideally, you'll have a current valid driver's licence, be reasonably fit and have good written and verbal communications skills, using those skills to manage and control all situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely.

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.