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- Tasks: Join our team as a Prisoner Custody Officer, ensuring safety and security in court.
- Company: Be part of a vital service in the justice system with a focus on safety and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just a commitment to making a difference and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a rota provided 12 weeks in advance for work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 19400 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford Crown or Magistrates Court
Salary: £23,402 per annum
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 also offer:
- Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
- Continuous training & development opportunities.
- Annual base salary increment (year 2 - £23,984 / year 3 - £24,436 / year 4 - £24,890).
- 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 health and wellbeing such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
- Access to discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
- A supportive team & culture focused on diversity and inclusion.
We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as there are 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.
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. Key duties include:
- Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court.
- Monitoring and supervising detainees during court sessions.
- Maintaining discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
- Listening to testimonies and evidence while providing support to detainees.
- Ensuring that detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day.
- Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment.
- Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals.
- Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately.
- Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
What you need to do the job!
Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences. What matters is your commitment to making a difference to the lives of others. Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care.
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.
Prisoner Custody Officer employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the court system and the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Understanding the environment you'll be working in will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in managing challenging situations or working in high-pressure environments. This could be from previous jobs, volunteer work, or even personal experiences that showcase your ability to remain calm and professional.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the role-play and written exercise by practising scenarios related to detainee management and communication. Think about how you would handle various situations, as this will show your problem-solving skills and readiness for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former Prisoner Custody Officers on professional networking sites. They can provide insights into the role and the assessment process, which can give you an edge in your preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Emphasise any previous roles that involved responsibility, communication, or working under pressure.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the justice system. Mention specific reasons why you want to work as a PCO and how your background prepares you for the challenges of the job.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as communication, vigilance, and emotional resilience. Provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these abilities in action.
Prepare for the Assessment Process: Familiarise yourself with the assessment process, including the competency-based interview and role-play exercises. Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to managing detainees and maintaining security.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, such as escorting detainees and maintaining their wellbeing. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used your verbal and written communication skills in past experiences. Think of examples where you managed challenging situations or provided support to others, as these will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism and Discretion
Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality and professionalism. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to maintain discretion and handle sensitive information, as this will show that you can be trusted in a high-stakes environment.
✨Prepare for Role-Play and Written Exercises
Since the assessment process includes role-play and written exercises, practice these types of scenarios beforehand. Think about how you would respond to various situations involving detainees, and be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
