Prisoner Custody Officer - Inner London Crown Court

Location: Inner London Crown Court

Salary: £26,124 per annum

Permanent roles offering job stability & security

Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (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. We offer:

• Base Salary of £26,124 (35hrs pw).
• Continuous training & development opportunities with annual salary increments (year 2 - £26,986 / year 3 - £27,803 / year 4 - £28,645).
• 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.
• Access to discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
• 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 due to the nature of the role, with a range of different working arrangements & additional hours. We operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.

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. Key duties include:

• Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court.
• Monitoring and supervising detainees during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure.
• Maintaining discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information discussed during court proceedings.
• Ensuring that detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day.
• Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees and reporting any concerns.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to incidents.
• Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately.
• Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals.

What you need to do the job!

Our current PCO's come to us with different work & life experiences. What matters is your commitment to making a difference - the rest will be learned during your training course and through our experienced colleagues.

Ideally, you'll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and possess good written and verbal communication skills. This role requires responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism. Our roles would suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology.

Our 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.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

• 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.

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