At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe transport of detainees and monitor their welfare during transit.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in prisoner escort services with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for ongoing training and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the justice system while enjoying job security and career progression.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 24596 - 36605 € per year.
Role Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – responsible for ensuring safe transport of detainees between prisons, police stations and courts. This role provides job security and stability.
Pay
- 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)
- Potential first‑year income (including average overtime of 8hrs pw): £34,805 – £36,605
Location
Woking Vehicle Base, GU21 3BA
Working Hours
24/6 – early and late shifts. Rotas released 12 weeks in advance. Flexibility required; may need to work beyond contracted hours. Part‑time only available for full working days.
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 (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
- Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
- Confidence managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict
- Teamwork and ability to follow processes accurately
- Professionalism, integrity and respect for confidentiality
Benefits
- Holidays: 20 days (raising to 25 after 7 years), plus bank holidays (pro‑rated)
- Pension: Up to 6 % contributory scheme (matched by Serco)
- Training & development: 5½‑week induction, ongoing learning, mentoring and progression opportunities
- Health & wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, support from MIND, health cash plan and dental plans, well‑being resources, gym membership discounts
- Discounts: savings across retailers, leisure, cinema, mobile plans, etc.
Recruitment Process
- Online application with eligibility questions and assessments
- Virtual assessment: competency‑based interview, short‑role play and written exercise
- Right‑to‑work, vetting and documentation checks
- Job offer and confirmation of training start date
Eligibility Checks
- Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, employment references, occupational health checks.
- Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
Visa & Work Eligibility
Role not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and, if holding a visa, at least two years remaining and one year’s UK residency for required checks.
Safety & Diversity
All colleagues must complete safeguarding training and follow safeguarding policies. Serco is a disabled confident leader and holds the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard. We encourage applications from diverse candidates.
Prisoner Custody Officer - Woking Vehicle Base employer: Serco
As a Prisoner Custody Officer at our Woking Vehicle Base, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the safe transport of detainees. We offer competitive salaries with clear progression paths, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including access to health resources and discounts. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion makes us an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer - Woking Vehicle Base
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. This way, when you’re in interviews or assessments, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on those key skills like communication and decision-making under pressure, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the virtual assessment, let your professionalism shine through but don’t be afraid to show your human side. They want to see how you handle situations and interact with others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the recruitment process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer - Woking Vehicle Base
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff!
Show Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use proper grammar and structure your responses well – it’ll show us you can handle the demands of the job.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take a moment to tailor your responses to the specific requirements of the Prisoner Custody Officer role. Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure and manage conflict.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better!
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 tasks like transporting detainees safely and monitoring their welfare. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this position. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated under pressure or de-escalated conflict. This will demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Flexibility
This role requires working closely with others and being flexible with your hours. Think of instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team or adapted to changing circumstances. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare for the Virtual Assessment
Since the recruitment process includes a virtual assessment, practice common competency-based interview questions and role-play scenarios. Make sure you’re comfortable with technology and have a quiet space set up for the interview. This preparation will help you feel more at ease and perform better during the assessment.
