Security Officer
Posting Start Date: 12 Sept 2025
Location: Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, GB, ST14 8XR
Company: Serco Plc
Salary : £25,467 pro rata
HMP Dovegate, Uttoxeter, ST14 8XR
Permanent (Full-Time, 40 Hrs and Part-Time, 20 Hrs)
Here at Serco we are looking for a Security Officer to join us at HMP Dovegate. Assisting the Head of Security and the Custodial Operations Manager, you will have a central role in ensuring the smooth running and safety of the prison regime through controlling internal movement, managing the radio network and co-ordinating response to incidents.
As part of your role you will control and authorise both routine and unscheduled movement of prisoners, staff, contractors, visitors and vehicles within the establishment, whilst also reporting, evaluating and then acting upon any information or indication of events. As Security Officer you will need to display confidence and the initiative to solve issues at the earliest stage and then present solutions to the Managers when required. Other key duties include:
- Maintain a safe and secure work environment in accordance with relevant instructions, Prison Rules and legislation
- Maintain security and discipline in the workplace by consistently monitoring the work unit, of tool issue, rub down searches and searches of the workplace
- Conduct security checks e.g., tool control, area searching, risk assessments etc. When appropriate pass relevant information to operations staff, e.g., prisoner intelligence.
What you will need to do the role:
First and foremost, you will have experience of working in a similar environment with a basic understanding of security. Although it is not essential, we would value experience in operating CCTV systems or working in a Control Room. This role will also involve administrative tasks as part of your day to day duties; therefore, you will need to be computer literate with the ability to maintain systems relevant to the area you will operate in. Due to the nature of the role, it is important to display a common-sense approach to your workload, with the capacity to make reasonable decisions and lead by example.
To be successful you must have a good standard of education with 5 GCSEs Grades C and above, or an acceptable equivalent in English and Maths. It is vital that you have strong interpersonal & communication skills, with the ability to negotiate at all levels as you will be working within an intensely pressurised environment and to deadlines. You must be able to demonstrate flexibility as you will be required to work various shift patterns including days and nights, as you will need to effectively contribute to a 24-hour operation.
The running of Security is a highly important part of the prison so if you enjoy being organised and thorough, you will enjoy the task of ensuring processes are adhered to, which will ensure the smooth running of the day to day routine and the safety of everyone on site.
Why Serco:
A place you can make an impact - With approximately 20,000 asylum seekers and more than 5,000 properties you’ll be delivering an essential service that touch people’s lives.
A place you can count on - Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You’ll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
A place for you - We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You’ll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.
What we offer:
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- A safe and supportive culture
- The chance to make a positive difference to the prison and court systems
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
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.
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Serco is a Disability Confident Employer committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities. 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 0345 010 4000.
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. We’re a proud holder of the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard and we actively encourage applications from females, those with disabilities or from an ethnic minority background.