At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Prisoner Custody Officer, you'll ensure the safety and wellbeing of detainees during court proceedings.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in providing essential services within the justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available with a structured rota, allowing for meaningful time off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your commitment to helping others and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
Isleworth Crown Court, TW7 5LG
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.
What We Offer
- 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’ 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.
- Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
- A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
Shift Pattern
Operational 24/6; you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs per week. Flexibility is key as there are a range of different working arrangements and additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable, but we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you 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. 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; may involve being handcuffed.
- 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.
- Handling sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings; maintaining discretion and confidentiality is paramount.
- Listening to harrowing testimonies and evidence; maintaining professionalism and providing support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
- Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to dietary requirements.
- Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting concerns.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to incidents or emergencies; conducting thorough searches to prevent contraband.
- Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging movements, incidents, and 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 PCOs come to us with different work and life experiences; what matters is that you’re committed to making a difference. You will learn during our 5½‑week training course and through experienced colleagues. Ideally, you’ll hold a current valid driver’s licence, be reasonably fit, and possess good written and verbal communication skills to manage and control all situations. The role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. It suits those with an interest in criminology or psychology.
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. Offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory references.
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults. The post holder must undertake appropriate safeguarding training and work within the organisation’s safeguarding policies.
Required
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. Policies apply to right‑to‑work: Applicants must have at least two years remaining on their current visa and have lived in the UK for at least one year, with a counter‑signatory from a recognised professional who has known them for that duration.
About Serco
At Serco, we deliver essential public services in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are committed to redesigning and improving public services, promoting diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is supported by global employee networks (SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited, In@Serco). We are Disability Confident and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard.
Apply
Please click the apply button to complete your application. We receive a large volume of applications; closing dates may be moved forward, so apply promptly. We are committed to building a diverse inclusive organisation and will make reasonable adjustments during the interview process. If you need 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
Prisoner Custody Officer in Isleworth employer: Serco
Serco is an exceptional employer for those seeking a meaningful career as a Prisoner Custody Officer, offering job stability and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including health and wellbeing support, and continuous training opportunities, employees can expect to grow both personally and professionally while making a positive impact in the justice system. The flexible working arrangements and commitment to employee welfare make Serco a standout choice for individuals dedicated to contributing to public safety and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer in Isleworth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Understanding the nuances of escorting detainees and maintaining their wellbeing will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've managed difficult circumstances, as this will be crucial in the assessment process.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture at Serco. Understanding their values around diversity and inclusion can help you align your responses during interviews, showing that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the competency-based virtual interview by practising common situational questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer in Isleworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Prisoner Custody Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience that relates to the role, such as working in security, law enforcement, or roles requiring strong communication skills. Even if your background is different, focus on transferable skills.
Showcase Your Commitment:Demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Use specific examples in your application to illustrate how you have positively impacted others in previous roles or situations.
Prepare for the Assessment Process:Familiarise yourself with the assessment process outlined in the job description. Prepare for the competency-based virtual interview by thinking of examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and professionalism in challenging situations.
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 such as escorting detainees, maintaining their wellbeing, and ensuring court security. This knowledge 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. Highlight any situations where you had to manage difficult conversations or provide support to others, as this will show your ability to handle challenging situations professionally.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
As a PCO, you'll encounter distressing situations. Be ready to talk about how you manage stress and maintain professionalism in tough circumstances. Sharing examples from your past where you've shown emotional resilience will reassure the interviewers of your capability to handle the demands of the job.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Since the assessment process includes a role-play exercise, practice responding to potential scenarios you might face as a PCO. Think about how you would ensure the safety and security of detainees while maintaining their dignity. This preparation will help you feel more confident during the interview.
