Peterborough Vehicle Base

Serco Group plc; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public service provider is seeking a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver in Peterborough, UK. This role involves ensuring the safety and security of detainees while transporting them between facilities. Successful candidates will be empathetic and capable of managing stress, with responsibilities including checking paperwork, conducting vehicle checks, and maintaining detainee welfare. Competitive salary and benefits are provided, along with opportunities for training and development.

Benefits

Annual salary increments

Driving allowance

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Discounts on leisure and retail

Career development training

Qualifications

• Must hold a current driver’s license.
• B1 or C1 Licence is required.
• Experience in criminology or psychology is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Transport prisoners safely and securely.
• Monitor detainees’ welfare during transport.
• Handle documentation and maintain vehicle checks.
• Respond to emergencies and manage stressful situations.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Stress management

Decision-making

Collaborative teamwork

Protocol adherence

Physical fitness

Conflict de-escalation

Professionalism

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Current driver’s license

B1 or C1 Licence

Valid CPC card (desirable)

Job description

Overview

Serco Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Peterborough Vehicle Base, PE3 7PR

Permanent roles offering job stability & security.

Role

Working as a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (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. In addition to a rewarding career, we also offer:

What we offer

• Salary of £26,745 (40hrs pw). Training salary is £23,402 (35hrs pw).
• Annual salary increments: Year 2 - £27,411, Year 3 - £27,927, Year 4 - £28,446
• Additional driving allowance earnings for Category B1/C1 License holders:
• B1 = £600 per year
• C1 = £2,400 per year. (C1 License holders must drive 6 cell vehicles – subject to further terms).
• A potential first-year income between £32,345 & £34,145 (depending upon license type and overtime based on a current average of 8 hrs overtime pw).
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance, 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years) plus Bank Holidays.
• Discounts on Merlin Attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail, and hospitality.
• Health and wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, and Dental Plans.
• A supportive team and culture passionate about diversity and inclusion.

We are operational 24/6, and you’ll be expected to cover various early and late shifts, with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Flexibility is essential due to the nature of the role, including long and unpredictable hours. We operate on a rota basis, provided 12 weeks in advance.

About The Role

As a PCO at our base, you’ll work as part of a crew to provide safe and secure court transportation and custody services. You’ll collect adult male and female detainees between prisons, police stations and courts, ensuring their well-being. Depending upon operational requirements, you may be required to remain at court, where you’ll be responsible for the care of the detainee until they return to custody or are released. Duties include accompanying defendants in courtrooms and cells, searching property and people, ensuring food and drink are available, and completing paperwork and data entry.

Key Responsibilities

• Start the day early, attend briefings to receive assignments, including details on prisoners, pick-up and drop-off locations, and specific risks.
• Check handheld devices for schedules and prisoner information. Complete vehicle checks.
• Collect prisoners from various locations, verify paperwork and property, search prisoners, and load them onto the vehicle.
• Monitor prisoners' welfare during transport, conduct cell checks, and provide water if needed. Arrange comfort stops for long journeys.
• Transport prisoners to courts and handle inter-prison transfers for reasons such as bed space management or educational needs.
• Return to the vehicle base, perform end-of-use checks, report defects, and hand in documentation.
• Work beyond contracted hours due to job demands, sometimes exceeding 50 hours a week. Stay with prisoners admitted to hospitals and handle emergency transfers during incidents like prison riots.

What you need to do the job

Hold a current driver’s license, B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable). Roles suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology. You will receive a 5 1/2-week training course and ongoing learning from experienced colleagues.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
• Capacity to handle stressful and emotionally demanding situations calmly.
• Ability to think on your feet and make quick, effective decisions.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively to ensure detainee safety and well-being.
• Meticulous in following protocols, conducting searches, and completing paperwork accurately.
• Adequate physical fitness to perform duties that may involve restraining detainees and long hours.
• Skilled in de-escalating conflicts and managing challenging behaviour effectively.
• High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and needs of detainees, ensuring respectful and fair treatment.

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.

Rights and Eligibility

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Applicants must meet minimum eligibility criteria, including visa status and residency requirements as applicable.

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year

For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.

About Serco

Serco is a global company delivering essential public services across defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We value diversity and inclusion and offer employee networks for different communities.

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