Detention Custody Officer
Bedford, Bedfordshire, GB, MK44 2FQ
Detention Custody Officer (DCO)
Location: Yarls Wood Immigration Centre, MK44 2FQ
Schedule: Full-time, permanent, variety of shift patterns
Salary: £31,000 per annum, rising incrementally to £32,000 (upon successful completion of 6 month probationary period) and £35,000 upon 2 years of service.
This isn’t just security work.
It’s people work.
You’ll support people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives - staying calm, showing respect, and making a real difference every day.
Why this role matters
- You create a safe, secure environment
- You treat everyone with dignity and respect
- You support people who may be scared, frustrated or vulnerable
- You rely on communication and empathy — not just authority
What you’ll actually do
- Maintain safety and security across the centre
- Build professional, respectful relationships
- De-escalate challenging situations calmly
- Support people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Stay alert, hands-on, and ready for anything
You’re made for this if you are…
- Calm under pressure
- Able to listen without judgement
- Confident handling difficult situations
- Respectful of every background and culture
- Motivated to help people through tough moments
No experience? No problem. If this sounds like you - you’re made for this.
What shifts look like
- 40 hours per week (average)
- Day + night shifts (6–12 hours)
- Fair, structured rota
- Paid breaks on night shifts
What you’ll get
Training and development:
- 7 week fully paid training programme
- Learn conflict resolution, communication, cultural awareness
- Clear pathways into leadership & specialist roles
Benefits:
- 224 hours annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
- Pension (matched up to 6%)
- Free on-site parking
- Subsidised meals + 1 free meal per day
- Full uniform provided
- Employee discounts + Blue Light Card
Application process
- Online application
- 1-hour virtual interview (Teams)
- Assessment day (group tasks, fitness test, site tour)
- 7-week training (full attendance required)
Eligibility and checks (important)
- Must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)
- Typically requires:
- Indefinite leave to remain
- 3+ years living in the UK
- Security clearance required:
- Home Office CTC
- Enhanced DBS (adult and child barring)
- 5 years checkable history
A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
- Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
- Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
Start a career where your work truly matters. Apply today.
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