Prisoner Custody Officer

Location

Ealing Magistrates Court, W13 0SD. Permanent roles offering job stability & security.

Role

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.

Benefits

• Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs per week).
• Annual salary increments: 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) plus bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
• Discounts and exclusive deals: Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone, Cinema, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality.
• Supportive team & culture focused on diversity and inclusion.

Work Schedule

We are operational 24 hours a day, 6 days a week and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs per week. Flexibility is key; due to the nature of the role there are a range of different working arrangements and additional hours. Some days may have unpredictable finishing times, but we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows flexibility for meaningful time off.

About The Role

As a PCO 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

• Escort defendants to and from courtrooms, cells and other areas within the court, including ensuring they are safely transported to toilets.
• Monitor and supervise detainees during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings with discretion and confidentiality.
• Maintain professionalism and provide emotional support to detainees when required.
• Ensure detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, accommodating dietary requirements.
• Monitor the mental and physical health of detainees, reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Respond to incidents or emergencies, conduct thorough searches to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, logging detainee movements, incidents, and other relevant information.
• Work closely with court staff, law enforcement and legal professionals to ensure smooth operations.

What You Need to Do the Job

Typical candidates have a current valid driver\’s licence, are reasonably fit and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. The role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. Interest in criminology or psychology is desirable.

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 must safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults and must undertake appropriate safeguarding training.

Visa and Right to Work

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Candidates should have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions and meet the following criteria:

• At least two years remaining on their current visa.
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year and have a counter‑signatory from a recognised professional who has known them for that duration.

For general right‑to‑work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.

About Serco

At Serco, we deliver essential public services across defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. Our team of 50,000 people is committed to redesigning and improving services for the benefit of everyone. We support diversity and inclusion through our Global Employee Networks.

Apply

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. We encourage early applications as the closing date may be advanced. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. For help with your application, contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

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