At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe transport and custody of detainees while providing support and monitoring their welfare.
- Company: Join a reputable organisation committed to justice and community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for ongoing development and internal progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system while enjoying job security and career progression.
- Qualifications: Reliable, compassionate, and able to handle pressure with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37200 - 39600 £ per year.
Location: Greenford Vehicle Base, UB6 9AP
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – your role is vital for keeping the justice system safe and secure. In addition to job security and stability you’ll receive:
- Initial Training Salary: £27,220 (35hrs pw)
- Graduated Base Salary: £31,108 (40 hrs pw), rising to £32,204 from 1st September 2026, with clear annual progression (Year 2: £32,998; Year 3: £33,723; Year 4: £34,482).
- When combined with base salary and average overtime (8hrs pw), this gives a potential first‑year income of between £37,804 and £39,604!
We operate 24/6 across early and late shifts, so flexibility is essential. Finishing times can be unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond your contracted hours to meet operational demands. Shifts are set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance, giving you visibility to plan ahead. Part‑time working may be considered, but this must be across full working days, as reduced daily hours are not available.
Responsibilities
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a crew delivering safe and secure transport and custody services. You’ll escort detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring their welfare throughout. Depending on operational needs, you may remain at court, taking responsibility for detainees until their return to custody or release. Duties include escorting within courts and cells, searching, supporting welfare, and completing essential paperwork.
Key responsibilities:
- Attend briefings and receive detainee, route and risk details.
- Carry out vehicle and equipment checks.
- Collect, search, and transport detainees safely.
- Monitor welfare during transport, including checks and comfort stops.
- Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments.
- Complete end‑of‑shift checks, reporting, and documentation.
- Work flexibly, including extended hours and responding to incidents.
Requirements
Our PCOs come from a range of backgrounds—what matters most is that you are reliable, trustworthy, compassionate, committed to safeguarding, and treat people with dignity and respect. In return you’ll receive full training through a 5½‑week paid program, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues.
Requirements of the role:
- Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
- Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict.
- Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately.
- Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.
What We Offer
- Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro rata’d).
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme (matched by Serco).
- Training and development: Structured induction (5½ weeks), ongoing learning, access to internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and a strong focus on internal progression.
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from mental health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, discount on membership at Serco‑run gyms.
- Discounts: Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more.
Prisoner Custody Officer - Greenford Vehicle Base employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values integrity and respect. As a Prisoner Custody Officer at our Greenford Vehicle Base, you will benefit from competitive salaries with clear progression paths, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including access to mental health support and discounts on various services. Join us in making a meaningful impact within the justice system while enjoying a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer - Greenford Vehicle Base
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Serco and their values, especially around safety and respect. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a PCO, you'll need to stay calm and communicate effectively under pressure. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The job requires working unpredictable hours, so highlight your ability to handle change and stay composed in challenging situations. Share examples from past experiences where you've successfully managed unexpected circumstances.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer - Greenford Vehicle Base
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 how you can contribute to keeping the justice system safe and secure!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. We’re looking for candidates who can stay calm and articulate under pressure.
Highlight Your Reliability and Integrity:We value reliability and integrity in our PCOs. Use your application to share examples that showcase your commitment to these qualities, as well as your ability to treat people with dignity and respect.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey to becoming a Prisoner Custody Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨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 ensuring their welfare. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is crucial for this position. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated or de-escalated a situation. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the pressures of the job and reassure the interviewers of your suitability.
✨Demonstrate Reliability and Integrity
As a PCO, being trustworthy is non-negotiable. Be ready to discuss times when you've shown reliability and integrity in your previous roles. This could be through teamwork or handling sensitive information, which will highlight your commitment to the values of the justice system.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making under pressure. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as managing conflict or ensuring the safety of detainees. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
