Prisoner Custody Officer

Role overview

Serco is hiring a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) for its Prisoner Escort Custody Services team in King’s Lynn, PE30 1PQ. In this role, you will help maintain a safe and secure justice process by supporting the escort and custody of detainees during court proceedings.

The position offers stable employment and clear pay progression. The starting salary is £24,596 for a 35-hour working week, increasing to £25,555 from 1 September 2026. Further annual increases are set out as Year 2: £26,191, Year 3: £26,684, and Year 4: £27,180.

The service operates 24/6 across early and late shifts, so you must be flexible. End times can vary and you may sometimes need to work beyond your contracted hours depending on operational needs. Rosters are issued 12 weeks ahead so you can plan in advance. Part-time work may be considered, but only in full working days; shorter daily hours are not available.

Keep people safe. Keep justice moving.

What you will do

You will work as part of a team to provide secure escort and custody support, with detainee welfare remaining a priority throughout court proceedings. You will remain responsible for detainees until they are returned to custody or released.

• Escort detainees around the court, including to hearing rooms, cells, and other facilities
• Oversee detainees during hearings to preserve safety and security
• Handle confidential and sensitive situations appropriately
• Support welfare needs, including providing food and drink and carrying out wellbeing checks
• Observe behaviour and respond to incidents, concerns, or risks
• Carry out searches to help maintain a secure environment
• Prepare accurate logs and other required records
• Work with court colleagues and external partners to keep operations running smoothly

Training and support

No prior background in this field is required. Serco provides a fully paid 5.5-week training programme, along with continued support from experienced team members.

What you need

• A full UK driving licence (B/B1) is preferred
• Good physical fitness for the demands of the role
• Strong written and spoken communication skills
• The ability to remain composed and decide quickly under pressure
• Confidence in handling behaviour issues and reducing conflict
• A team-oriented approach with accuracy in following procedures
• A professional attitude, strong integrity, and respect for confidentiality

Pay, leave, and benefits

• Annual leave starts at 20 days and rises to 25 days after 7 years of service, plus bank holidays, pro rata
• Pension contributions of up to 6%, matched by Serco
• Structured induction, continued learning, internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and strong internal progression opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme, support from MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and discounted access to Serco-run gyms
• Discounts on retailers and leisure experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more

Recruitment steps

• Complete an online application with eligibility questions and online assessments
• Attend a virtual assessment involving a competency-based interview, a short online roleplay, and a written exercise
• Provide right-to-work and vetting documents
• Receive an offer and confirm your training start date

Checks and eligibility

Any offer will depend on Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and occupational health clearance. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Random alcohol and drug testing applies to all staff.

The post is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. You must already have the right to work in the UK. If you hold a visa, it must have at least two years remaining, and you must have at least one year of UK residency to support the required countersignatory checks by a recognised professional.

All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and must complete the required training and follow safeguarding policies.

About Serco

Serco delivers essential public services across areas such as defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. The organisation employs around 50,000 people worldwide and focuses on improving public services for the communities it serves. Employees can also access global networks supporting gender, multicultural, disability, and LGBT+ inclusion.

Additional information

Serco may bring the closing date forward if it receives a high volume of applications, so early submission is recommended. The organisation welcomes discussions about flexibility and flexible working. Reasonable adjustments can be made during interview and employment, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Serco is a Disability Confident Leader and holds the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Applicants with unspent criminal convictions are supported through the Ban the Box pledge, although exceptions may apply where the role or security clearance requires it.

For application support, contact 0345 010 4000.