At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport detainees safely and securely while ensuring their well-being.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual increments, pension, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system every day.
- Qualifications: Driver's licence required; experience in criminology or psychology is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26745 - 28446 £ per year.
Location: Exeter Vehicle Base, EX5 1EW
Join us a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) where you’ll play a key role in helping keep the justice system safe and secure. In addition to job security and stability you'll receive:
- Initial Training Salary: £24,596 (35hrs pw)
- Graduated Base Salary: £28,109 (40 hrs pw), rising to £29,205 from 1st September 2026, with clear annual progression (Year 2: £29,932; Year 3: £30,496; Year 4: £31,063).
- Additional earnings through driving allowances (eligibility based on licence type and vehicle driven, subject to terms):
- B/B1 License: £600 per year
- C1 License: £2,400 per year
When combined with base salary and average overtime (8hrs pw), this gives a potential first-year income of between £34,805 and £36,605!
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.
Keep people safe. Keep justice moving.
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
What you need to do the job!
Our PCOs come from a range of backgrounds—what matters most is you are reliable, trustworthy and compassionate, committed to safeguarding and treating people with dignity and respect. In return you’ll receive full training through a 5½-week paid training, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Requirements of the role:
- Full UK driving licence essential - B1/C1 (subject to requirements)
- C1 Licenses holders should ideally hold a valid CPC
- 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
Our recruitment process
- Online application inc. eligibility questions and online assessments
- Virtual assessment: Competency based interview, short roleplay and written exercise (online)
- Initial right to work and vetting documentation checks
- Job offer and confirmation of your training start date
Eligibility checks and further information
Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory employment references and occupational health checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All roles are subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office regulations. You must have the right to work in the UK. If you do have a visa, it must have at least two years remaining, and you must have at least one year’s UK residency (to enable required counter signatory checks by a recognised professional).
All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and must complete the required training and follow our safeguarding policies.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
#pecs #prisonerescortandcustodydriver
About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone. By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on j&icareersUK@serco.com to discuss.
Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a stable and secure career as a Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver in Bristol. Our supportive work culture fosters diversity and inclusion, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth through comprehensive training and development. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to employee well-being, Serco is dedicated to ensuring that our team members feel valued and empowered in their vital roles within the justice system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Serco and their values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your soft skills! In this role, you'll need to handle stressful situations and communicate effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Serco. Don’t wait too long; apply early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about this role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver position!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a good once-over. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications, so take the time to ensure everything is clear and professional.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
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 Escort & Custody Driver. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as ensuring the safety and well-being of detainees, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
This role requires a calm demeanour and the ability to handle stressful situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect competency-based questions that assess how you would react in specific situations. Think about scenarios involving detainee welfare or emergency transfers, and practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills clearly.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Given the unpredictable nature of the job, emphasise your willingness to adapt to various shifts and hours. Share any previous experiences where you successfully managed changing schedules or unexpected demands, showcasing your reliability and commitment.
