Prisoner Custody Officer – Snaresbrook Crown Court or Annex Serco Plc

Zip Hustle; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A court services provider in Greater London is seeking a dedicated PCO to ensure the safety and security of detainees throughout court proceedings. You will be responsible for escorting them, monitoring their wellbeing, and maintaining confidentiality. The ideal candidate should be vigilant, capable of managing challenging situations, and possess strong communication skills. The role offers a base salary of £26,026 with benefits including a pension and annual leave. Flexibility in working hours is essential, with 35 hours per week over varying shifts.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Annual leave

Employee assistance programme

Health care and dental plans

Qualifications

• Valid driver's licence.
• Reasonably fit.
• Commitment to making a difference.

Responsibilities

• Provide escorting and custody services to detainees.
• Monitor and supervise detainees during court sessions.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ensure detainee safety and manage health concerns.
• Complete necessary documentation accurately.

Skills

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Vigilance

Ability to handle challenging situations

Job description

Snaresbrook Crown Court or Annex, E11 1QW

Permanent roles offering job stability & security

We Offer

• Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs pw). Yearly increments: year 2 – £26,658 / year 3 – £27,260 / year 4 – £27,882.
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans and more.
• Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts and more.
• A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.

We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as due to the nature of role there are a range of different working arrangements & additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable, however, we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off to do the things you enjoy & love.

About the Role

As a PCO at our court, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it’s time for them to return to custody or be released. Key duties include:

• Escort defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. This may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
• Monitor and supervise detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
• Provide support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
• Ensure detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
• Monitor the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensure the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise. Conduct thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents, and any other relevant information.
• Work closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.

What You Need to Do the Job

Our current PCO’s come to us with different work & life experiences; what matters is that you’re committed to making a difference. Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver’s licence, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills, using those skills to manage and control all situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely. Our roles would suit those who have a particular interest in criminology or psychology.

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.

All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria.

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

Serco are Disability Confident Leader employers and are 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.