Prisoner Custody Officer

Role overview

Serco is recruiting a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) for Taunton Crown Court in Taunton, England. This role sits within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) and is focused on keeping detainees safe, secure, and properly supported throughout court attendance.

In addition to meaningful day-to-day work, the position offers structured development, a strong benefits package, and the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that values inclusion, teamwork, and public service.

Compensation and benefits

• Starting salary: £23,402 per year for a 35-hour working week.
• Annual pay progression is available with salary increases in later years: year 2 - £23,984, year 3 - £24,436, year 4 - £24,890.
• Pension contributions matched up to 6%.
• Life insurance cover.
• 20 days of annual leave, increasing to 25 days after 7 years of service, plus public bank holidays.
• Access to employee support resources, including an assistance programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, and dental plans.
• Discounts and special offers across attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail, and hospitality.
• A collaborative, supportive culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Working pattern

The operation runs 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. The role involves a mix of early and late shifts, and flexibility is important because working arrangements and additional hours can vary. End times may occasionally be uncertain due to operational needs. A rota is shared 12 weeks in advance to help with planning time off.

Part-time applications may be considered for day shifts only. However, full-time attendance is required during the initial 5.5-week training period.

Key responsibilities

As a PCO, you will work as part of the court team to manage detainees safely and securely while also supporting their wellbeing. Your duties continue from arrival at court through to return to custody or release.

• Move detainees between courtrooms, cells, and other court areas while maintaining security, including escorting them to the toilet when required.
• Supervise detainees in the docks during court hearings to ensure they remain secure and do not present a danger to themselves or anyone else.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information heard during proceedings with discretion, professionalism, and care.
• Support detainees through difficult or distressing situations while also maintaining your own emotional resilience.
• Provide food and drink during the day, taking account of dietary needs and restrictions.
• Observe detainees’ physical and mental condition and escalate any concerns appropriately.
• Protect the safety of the court environment by dealing with incidents or emergencies and carrying out searches of people and property to stop prohibited items entering secure areas.
• Keep records accurate by completing paperwork and entering data about movements, incidents, and other relevant updates.
• Work in coordination with court staff, police, and legal professionals to keep proceedings running smoothly and securely.

Candidate profile

Previous experience is not the key requirement. Serco is looking for people who are committed to helping others and are willing to learn through the 5.5-week training programme and from experienced colleagues.

The role would suit someone who is calm under pressure, dependable, observant, and able to manage difficult situations with professionalism and respect. An interest in criminology or psychology may be helpful.

Assessment and selection

The hiring process includes an online assessment sent by email after application, followed by a briefing call to check eligibility, a competency-based virtual interview, and a short role-play plus written exercise.

Additional information

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any employment offer will depend on Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, an Enhanced DBS check covering both adult and child barring, and satisfactory references.

About Serco

Serco provides essential public services in areas such as defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. The organisation employs around 50,000 people and focuses on improving public services for the benefit of the communities it serves.

Employees can access global networks supporting gender, multicultural inclusion, disability, and LGBT+ belonging. Serco also states that it supports fair access to work for people with unspent convictions, although some roles may be exempt because of security requirements.

Flexible working and inclusion

Serco describes itself as a people-first employer and says it is committed to diversity, inclusion, and reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment. It is a Disability Confident Leader and holds the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard. Flexible working discussions are welcomed where appropriate.