About SercoAt 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.
ApplyPlease 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 Silver 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&icareersuk18@serco.jtn.cvconv.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&icareersuk18@serco.jtn.cvconv.com to discuss.
Location: Winchester Crown Court
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).
- We believe in recognising your contributions and growth, so as well as continuous training & development opportunities, every year, you will be eligible for a base salary increment, allowing you to see tangible progress in your earnings (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 the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans and more
- Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts and more
- A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion
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 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 to do the things you enjoy & love.
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. This may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
- 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.
- Being privy to sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, including testimonies, legal arguments etc. Maintaining discretion and confidentiality is paramount. Being prepared to listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence. It is crucial to maintain professionalism and provide support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
- Ensuring that 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 any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise. Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
- Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents, and any 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 PCO’s come to us with different work & life experiences, what you’ve done before doesn’t matter, what matters is that you’re committed to making a difference to the lives of others – the rest you will learn during your 5 1/2-weeks training course and through our experienced colleagues.
Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit and have good written and verbal communications skills, using those skills to manage and control all situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely. Our roles would suit those who have a particular interest in criminology or psychology.
Try our careers assistant tool to find out more: Careers Assistant
Our 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, 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, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Whilst we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below 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 process 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.
#PECS
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident
Start Date: 02.04.2025
Telephone:
Contact person:
Company: Serco Limited
United Kingdom,
email Apply Now
Fiveways Playcentre in
Brighton
12.04.2025
At Fiveways Playcentre...We believe in nurturing every child’s potential through play, imagination, and positive relationships. We’re proud of our inclusive ethos and our commitment to safeguarding an...
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts in
Nottingham
12.04.2025
Are you an approachable and positive operating department practitioner who is committed to providing an excellent patient experience?We are recruiting for an experienced Band 5 Part time Theatre Pract...
Argyll and Bute Council in
Cardross
12.04.2025
Service: Commercial ServicesClosing Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025We would love to welcome a Catering Assistant to join our friendly team in working for Argyll and Bute, one of Scotland’s most stunni...
Southend University Hospital NHS Trust in
Bank
12.04.2025
We are looking to recruit suitably qualified doctors to work across specialties for work ranging from a single shift to an extended post, with evening, weekend and on-call shifts available (depending ...
Sodexo Ltd in
Norwich
12.04.2025
Security OfficerSaturday and Sunday 7am to 7pm24 Hours per week£12.60 per hour + Sodexo BenefitsFree Parking on SiteDriving License RequiredUniform provided28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days w...
Acorn Stairlifts UK in
Steeton
12.04.2025
Updated on: 12.04.2025
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service? Do you enjoy helping customers resolve queries and providing them with valuable information?We are looking for a dedicated and friendl...
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in
Ashfield
12.04.2025
Exciting Career Opportunity: Clerical Officer - RadiologyAre you ready to join a dynamic healthcare team and make a meaningful impact on patient care? We are currently seeking a dedicated and organise...
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust in
Wakefield
12.04.2025
Updated on: 12.04.2025
An opportunity has arisen at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust for a dedicated individual to join our Financial Services team as Finance Officer (Accounts Receivable & Treasury).We are looking for...
Accommodation Support OfficerAre you passionate about helping people? Join our team as an Accommodation Support Officer and support our participants with their housing needs.You’ll work with a caseloa...
Sodexo Ltd in
Derby
12.04.2025
Full time56 hours per weekThree days, four nights, three days off. Four days, three nights, four days off.£12.79 per hourFree parking on siteOpportunities for career developmentPlus our Sodexo employe...
Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action in
Coventry
12.04.2025
Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Actionis recruitingResearch Engagement Network Project Officer£30,900 per annum (£18,790.54 pro rata)22.5 hours per week11 months fixed termHybrid/CAVA Office with...
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust in
Leyland
12.04.2025
A Vacancy at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.The Beacon is a prison-based assessment and treatment service for men with personality related needs underlying their risk and offendingbehaviour. It is a...
Capita plc in
Hope
11.04.2025
Recruiting tomorrow's Army today. Be the best to support the best!Recruiting Group runs Assessment Centres (AC) for Regular and Reserve Officer and Soldier candidates, which must be passed before appl...
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in
Erdington
11.04.2025
Updated on: 12.04.2025
A Vacancy at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.The Adult Secure Provider Collaborative, Reach Out, is formed of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSM...
Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing in
Bank
11.04.2025
This Role: Collections Officer known internally as a Customer Accounts AdvisorLocation: Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1LA - On-site free parking is available and our office is located within a 10 min walk ...
Hays Specialist Recruitment in
Dungannon
11.04.2025
Your new company Hays is pleased to be working with a manufacturing organisation in Dungannon to appoint an HR Officer for a 12-month fixed contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic ...
Sodexo Ltd in
Ashford
11.04.2025
Updated on: 12.04.2025
42 hours per week4 days on/ 4 days off- 12 hour shifts£12.75 per hourAccess to Sodexo Reward HubThis role will be based at Sevington Inland Border Facility, Ashford, KentCheck your local transport lin...
Sodexo Ltd in
Bracknell
11.04.2025
Updated on: 12.04.2025
Full time48 hours per weekShift work, 4 On 4 OFF12 Hours Shifts, Days and Nights£13.25 per hourWorking from Bracknell, Basingstoke and WokinghamPaid Travel ExpensesOpportunities for career development...
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in
Wokingham
11.04.2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the expanding, innovative administration team for theMSK CSS/IPASS/BLISServices, in the roleofanAdministration Officer. The post is on apermanentband3contrac...