Prisoner Custody Officer in Truro

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; eligible for a base salary increment each year (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 (Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, Dental Plans, and more).
• Access to discounts and exclusive deals (Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts, and more).
• A supportive team & culture focused on diversity and inclusion.

Location: Truro Crown Court

We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as due to the nature of the role there are a range of 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.

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. This may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
• Monitoring and supervising detainees in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Maintaining discretion and confidentiality for sensitive information discussed during court proceedings; supporting detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
• Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
• Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment; conducting searches to prevent contraband entering secure areas.
• Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately (detainee movements, incidents, and relevant information).
• Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.

Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences; what you’ve done before matters less than your commitment to making a difference. You’ll learn during our 5 1/2 weeks training course and through our experienced colleagues. Ideally, you’ll have:

• A current valid driver’s license
• Reasonable fitness and good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage and control all situations with responsibility and vigilance
• Interest in criminology or psychology is welcome

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. Applicants may apply for other roles, but if applying for this role and you already have a valid right to work in the UK through other routes, you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year, as vetting requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration.

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

About Serco: At Serco, the work is important and everyone has a role to play. We are a team of 50,000 responsible for delivering essential public services globally 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 access to our Global Employee Networks and a culture of diversity and inclusion. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We are Disability Confident Leader employers and hold the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria will be considered for an interview. For help with your application please contact j&icareersuk@serco.com. Serco supports fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge. Please contact our recruitment team to discuss.