Detention Custody Officer

Detention Custody Officer (DCO)

Location: Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre (RH6 0PQ)

Schedule: Full-time, permanent, variety of shift patterns

Salary: £29,563, rising to £32,653 after 6 months

This isn’t just security work.

It’s people work.

You’ll support individuals 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

Location note: Limited public transport

• Ideally live within 30 miles
• Free minibus from Gatwick Airport (Atlantic House)

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

1. Online application
2. 1-hour virtual interview (Teams)
3. Assessment day (group tasks, fitness test, site tour)
4. 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

Start a career where your work truly matters.

Apply now.

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.