At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and security while escorting detainees in a court environment.
- Company: Join a professional team dedicated to the justice system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, health support, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive team culture focused on diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; commitment to helping others is key.
The predicted salary is between 26026 - 27882 € per year.
Croydon Crown Court, CR0 4XH – 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 offer:
- Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs per week).
- Continuous training & development opportunities; every year you will be eligible for a base salary increment, allowing you to see tangible progress in your earnings (year 2 - £26,658 / year 3 - £27,260 / year 4 - £27,882).
- 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 per week. 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 dock 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 license, 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 roles would suit those who have a particular interest in criminology or psychology.
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. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Whilst we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria:
- Have at least two years remaining on your current visa.
- Have lived in the UK for at least one year, as vetting process requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration.
For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website. #PECS
Prisoner Custody Officer in Croydon employer: Serco Limited
As a Prisoner Custody Officer at Croydon Crown Court, you will join a dedicated team committed to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of all involved in court proceedings. We offer a supportive work culture with continuous training and development opportunities, competitive salary increments, and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your health and wellbeing. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on diversity and inclusion, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the community while enjoying job stability and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Prisoner Custody Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to the role. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated responsibility and professionalism, as these are key traits for a PCO.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the justice system! During interviews, share why you want to be a part of this vital role and how you can contribute to the safety and wellbeing of detainees.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. We want to see your passion for making a difference in the justice system, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since good written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects these skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Be Honest About Your Experience:We value diverse backgrounds, so be open about your previous work and life experiences. Even if you don’t have direct experience in custody services, share what you’ve learned from other roles that could be relevant.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Limited
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like escorting detainees and maintaining their wellbeing. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a PCO, you'll need to communicate effectively with detainees and court staff. During the interview, demonstrate your verbal communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare examples of how you've successfully managed challenging conversations in the past.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Since the interview includes a role-play exercise, practice handling difficult situations calmly and professionally. Think about how you would respond to a distressed detainee or manage a security incident. This preparation will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing
Highlight your understanding of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing for detainees. Share any relevant experiences or training that demonstrate your ability to support others in challenging situations. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are committed to making a positive difference.
