At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in challenging situations while maintaining safety and security.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, extensive leave, free meals, and career development.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, inclusive culture, and clear pathways for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day with empathy and respect.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your calmness and motivation to help others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34154 £ per year.
Location: Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre (RH6 0PQ)
Schedule: Full-time, permanent, variety of shift patterns
Salary: £30,000PA, rising to £31,064PA after Graduation and rising to £34,154PA after 12 months
This isn’t just security work. It’s people work. You’ll support individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives — staying calm, showing respect, and making a real difference every day.
Why this role matters
- You create a safe, secure environment
- You treat everyone with dignity and respect
- You support people who may be scared, frustrated or vulnerable
- You rely on communication and empathy — not just authority
What you’ll actually do
- Maintain safety and security across the centre
- Build professional, respectful relationships
- De-escalate challenging situations calmly
- Support people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Stay alert, hands-on, and ready for anything
You’re made for this if you are…
- Calm under pressure
- Able to listen without judgement
- Confident handling difficult situations
- Respectful of every background and culture
- Motivated to help people through tough moments
No experience? No problem. If this sounds like you - you’re made for this.
What shifts look like
- 40 hours per week (average)
- Day + night shifts (6–12 hours)
- Fair, structured rota
- Paid breaks on night shifts
Location note: Limited public transport. Ideally live within 30 miles. Free minibus from Gatwick Airport (Atlantic House).
What you’ll get
- Training and development: 9 week fully paid training programme
- Learn conflict resolution, communication, cultural awareness
- Clear pathways into leadership & specialist roles
Benefits:
- 224 hours annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
- Pension (matched up to 6%)
- Free on-site parking
- Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day
- Full uniform provided
- Employee discounts + Blue Light Card
Application process
- Online application
- Online assessment (this will take approximately 30 minutes to complete)
- 1-hour virtual interview (Teams)
- Assessment day (group tasks, fitness test, site tour)
- 9-week training (full attendance required)
Eligibility and checks (important)
- Must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)
- Typically requires: Indefinite leave to remain, 3+ years living in the UK
- Security clearance required: Home Office CTC, Enhanced DBS (adult and child barring), 5 years checkable history
A little bit about us: 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.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: 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, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact us. Start a career where your work truly matters. Apply today.
Detention Custody Officer in Crawley employer: Serco Plc
As an HGV Driver with us in Stowmarket, you will join a supportive and dynamic team that values your contributions and prioritises your well-being. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a work-life balance that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for growth and development, you can build a rewarding career in a company that truly cares about its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer in Crawley
✨Join Security Community Events
Dive into local security conferences and workshops. These events are goldmines for networking with industry professionals, and they often host recruiters looking for candidates for full-time roles like Detention Custody Officer. Plus, you can showcase your passion and familiarity with the latest trends!
✨Connect with Industry Experts
Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to follow and connect with leaders in security services. Engage with their content; it shows your interest and can spark conversations that might lead to job opportunities at companies like Serco Plc. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for insights or informational interviews!
✨Polish Your Online Presence
Make sure your online presence reflects your skills in security services – think certifications, relevant projects, or coursework. Share your expertise through blogs or posts discussing recent trends in security. This will make you stand out to employers searching for full-time Detention Custody Officer candidates.
✨Directly Apply to Serco Plc
Don’t forget to apply for the Detention Custody Officer role directly through our website! It not only ensures that your application is seen by the right eyes but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for joining Serco Plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:When applying for a full-time position in security services, make sure to showcase any relevant certifications you have, like SIA or other security industry qualifications. This adds credibility and shows that you're serious about your career in this field.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In security roles, attention to detail is crucial. Use your CV and cover letter to provide examples of how you’ve noticed and addressed security vulnerabilities or hazards in past jobs. This will help us see your proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just list duties from previous jobs; instead, frame your experiences in a way that relates directly to the role at Serco Plc. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
Share Your Availability and Flexibility:Full-time roles often require a degree of flexibility. Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application, especially if you can work various shifts. This shows us your readiness to adapt to the needs of the role at Serco Plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Plc
✨Know Your Security Protocols
In the security services field, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest security protocols and technologies. Brush up on things like surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response procedures. You'll likely face technical questions, so having a couple of solid scenarios or case studies ready can really impress your interviewers at Serco Plc.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare to showcase your situational awareness skills. You might be put in hypothetical scenarios where you need to assess potential risks or respond to incidents. Practising how you’d handle these situations ahead of time can give you the confidence to articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork & Communication
Since security services often rely on effective teamwork and clear communication, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any instances where you’ve had to relay critical information or work closely with other services – this is key for a role at Serco Plc.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
You can expect a variety of behavioural interview questions focusing on your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Sharing specific examples from previous security roles or related jobs will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and reliability to the team at Serco Plc.
