Prisoner Custody Officer
Chelmsford, Essex, GB, CM1 1NT
Location: Chelmsford CM1 1NT
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 we offer:
- Salary: £27,220 (35hrs pw), rising to £28,179 from 1st September 2026
- Further clear annual progression (Year 2: £28,865; Year 3: £29,508; Year 4: £30,172).
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 team to deliver safe and secure escorting and custody services, ensuring detainee welfare at all times during court proceedings. You’ll be responsible for detainees throughout court proceedings until their return to custody or release. Key duties include:
- Escorting detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to maintain safety and security
- Managing sensitive situations and maintaining strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee welfare, including access to food, drink, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring behaviour and responding to incidents or risks
- Conducting searches to maintain a secure environment
- Completing accurate records and documentation
- Working closely with court staff and partners to ensure smooth operations
What you need to do the job!
Our PCO’s come from a wide range of backgrounds—what matters most is your commitment to making a difference. You’ll receive full training through a 5½-week paid training course, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Requirements of the role:
- Full UK driving licence (B/B1) (desirable)
- 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 #prisonercustodyofficercourts
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.
Apply
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.
