Prisoner Custody Officer

Role overview

Based in Basildon (SS14 2EW), this position places you within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), where you will help protect the safety and security of the justice process. The job offers stable employment and clear pay progression.

Starting salary is £27,220 for a 35-hour work week, increasing to £28,179 from 1 September 2026. Further annual increments are set out as follows: Year 2 - £28,865; Year 3 - £29,508; Year 4 - £30,172.

The service runs 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, with early and late shifts. Flexibility is important because finishing times can be uncertain, and you may sometimes need to work beyond contracted hours to meet operational needs. Rosters are issued 12 weeks ahead so you can plan in advance. Part-time arrangements may be considered, but only across full working days; shorter daily hours are not available.

The aim of the role is simple: help keep people safe and keep justice moving.

What the job involves

You will work as part of a team delivering secure escort and custody support, with detainee welfare remaining a priority throughout court proceedings. Your responsibility continues from arrival at court until detainees are returned to custody or released.

• Move detainees safely around the court, including courtrooms, cells, and other facilities.
• Oversee detainees during hearings to preserve safety and security.
• Handle sensitive situations professionally while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Support welfare needs, such as food, drinks, and regular wellbeing checks.
• Observe conduct and respond appropriately to incidents or emerging risks.
• Carry out searches to maintain a secure setting.
• Prepare accurate logs, records, and other documentation.
• Work alongside court colleagues and external partners to keep operations running smoothly.

Training and support

No prior background in the field is required. You will receive full preparation through a paid 5.5-week training programme, along with continued guidance from experienced team members.

Requirements for the role

The employer welcomes applicants from varied backgrounds. The most important quality is a commitment to making a positive contribution.

• A full UK driving licence (category B/B1) is desirable.
• You should be physically capable of carrying out the demands of the role.
• Clear written and spoken communication is important.
• You must be able to remain composed and make sound decisions when under pressure.
• Confidence in managing behaviour and defusing conflict is needed.
• You should work well in a team and follow procedures accurately.
• Professional conduct, integrity, and discretion are essential.

Pay and benefits

• Annual leave starts at 20 days and increases to 25 days after 7 years of service, plus bank holidays, pro rata.
• A contributory pension of up to 6% is available and matched by the employer.
• Training and development include structured induction, ongoing learning, internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and strong opportunities for internal progression.
• Health and wellbeing support includes an Employee Assistance Programme, access to MIND support, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and a discount on membership at company-run gyms.
• Discounts are available on major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more.

Recruitment process

• Online application with eligibility questions and online assessments.
• Virtual assessment including a competency-based interview, a short roleplay, and a written exercise.
• Initial checks for right-to-work evidence and vetting documents.
• Job offer and confirmation of the training start date.

Eligibility, checks, and important conditions

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

The role 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 allow the required counter-signatory 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 the employer

The organisation delivers essential public services across sectors including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. It employs around 50,000 people worldwide and focuses on improving and redesigning public services for the benefit of communities. Employees have access to global networks supporting gender, multicultural inclusion, disability, and LGBT+ inclusion.

Additional information

The employer may close recruitment early if a high volume of applications is received, so applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. The organisation states a commitment to fair treatment, diversity, inclusion, reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment, and flexible working discussions where possible. It is a Disability Confident Leader employer and holds Gold Inclusive Employer Standard status. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview. Support is available for applications, and fair access to employment is offered to people with unspent criminal convictions, subject to any exemptions needed for the nature of the role and security clearance requirements.

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