Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver

Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver (PCO)

Location: New Southgate Vehicle Base, Greater London (N11 1UJ)

Job ID: 306967

Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular (Part-time considered across full working days)

Salary & Earnings:

• Initial Training Salary: £28,179 per annum (35 hrs pw)

• Graduated Base Salary: £32,204 per annum (40 hrs pw) with clear annual progression up to £34,482 by Year 4.

• Driving Allowances: Additional annual allowances depending on your licence type (B/B1: £600 | C1: £2,400 | D: £2,700).

• Potential First-Year Income: Between £37,804 and £39,904 when combined with base salary, driving allowances, and average overtime (8 hrs pw).

About Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

At Supportive Bridge, we connect reliable, dedicated professionals with crucial public-sector operations. Partnering with top-tier justice service providers, we specialize in placing candidates into stable, rewarding careers where your daily work helps maintain public safety and keeps the justice system moving.

Role Overview

As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) & Escort Driver within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), you will operate as part of a crew delivering secure transport and custody services. You will safely escort detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring their absolute welfare throughout transit and court proceedings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Briefings & Pre-Checks: Attend operational briefings and carry out thorough vehicle and equipment safety checks.

• Secure Transport & Escort: Safely collect, search, and transport detainees, monitoring welfare and conducting comfort stops during transit.

• Court Custody Duties: Deliver detainees to courts or holding facilities, remaining responsible for them during proceedings until release or return to custody.

• Incident Management & Documentation: Complete end-of-shift reports, manage sensitive situations, de-escalate conflicts, and respond effectively to operational incidents.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds—including security, driving, logistics, transport, retail, and care work. What matters most is your reliability, compassion, integrity, and commitment to treating people with dignity.

Requirements:

• Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is essential (B1, C1, or D subject to requirements). C1/D licence holders should ideally hold a valid CPC and Tachograph card.

• Core Competencies: Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, calmness under pressure, and physical fitness for an active role.

• Right to Work: Unrestricted right to work in the UK (with at least 2 years remaining on any visa and a minimum of 1 year UK residency). Note: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

• Vetting Ready: Ability to pass Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks and an Enhanced DBS. (Note: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

What We Offer You

• Fully Paid Training: An intensive 5½-week structured induction and training program, supported by experienced colleagues.

• Predictable Scheduling: 24/6 shift patterns across early and late shifts, scheduled via a rota provided 12 weeks in advance.

• Financial Security: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme (matched) and clear annual pay progression.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), MIND mental health support, Simply Health cash/dental plans, and gym discounts.

• Perks & Leave: 20 days holiday (rising to 25 with service) plus bank holidays, alongside nationwide retail, hospitality, and entertainment discounts.

Our Recruitment Process

1. Online Application: Submit your details, eligibility answers, and online assessments.

2. Virtual Assessment: Competency-based interview, a brief online roleplay, and a written exercise.

3. Vetting & Checks: Right-to-work verification, Enhanced DBS, references, and occupational health checks.

4. Job Offer: Confirmation of your placement and start date for your paid training.