Prisoner Custody Officer

Job Title: Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)

Company: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Location: Isle of Wight Combined Court (Newport MC), Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5YT, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full Time / Regular

Salary: £25,555 per year (35 hours per week) + Clear annual progression (Year 2: £26,191; Year 3: £26,684; Year 4: £27,180)

About the Role

Are you looking for a stable, secure career where you can make a genuine difference in the community? Join our team as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS). In this vital role, you will help keep the justice system safe, secure, and running smoothly while ensuring the welfare and security of detainees throughout court proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure Escorting: Escort detainees safely within the court environment, including to courtrooms, holding cells, and other facilities.

• Supervision & Safety: Monitor detainee behaviour during hearings and maintain strict safety and security standards.

• Welfare Support: Support detainee wellbeing by managing access to food, drink, and conducting necessary welfare checks.

• Incident Management: Handle sensitive situations with professionalism, de-escalate conflicts calmly, and respond effectively to operational risks or incidents.

• Compliance & Records: Conduct thorough security searches and complete accurate records and documentation.

• Partnership Working: Collaborate closely with court staff, partners, and team members to ensure seamless daily operations.

Working Hours & Flexibility

• Operating Hours: 24/6 operations covering early and late shifts (flexibility is essential).

• Roster: Shift rotas are provided 12 weeks in advance to help you plan ahead.

• Note on Hours: Finishing times can occasionally be unpredictable, requiring work beyond contracted hours to meet operational demands. Part-time options may be considered, but must cover full working days (reduced daily hours are not available).

What You Need to Succeed

Our successful PCOs come from a wide variety of backgrounds—including security, customer service, retail, health and social care, armed forces, logistics, and hospitality. What matters most is your commitment to keeping people safe and keeping justice moving.

• Essential Requirements:

  • Reasonable fitness to handle the physical demands of the role.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to stay calm, think clearly, and make sound decisions under pressure.

  • Confidence in managing challenging behaviour and de-escalating conflicts.

  • Strong teamwork skills and the ability to follow processes accurately.

  • High levels of professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.

• Desirable:

  • Full UK driving licence (B/B1).

Full, paid training is provided through a comprehensive 5½-week training course, alongside ongoing support from experienced colleagues.

What We Offer You

• Job Security & Competitive Pay: Starting salary of £25,555 for 35 hours per week with structured annual pay progression.

• Holiday Allowance: 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata), rising to 25 days after 7 years of service.

• Pension Scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.

• Training & Career Growth: 5½-week structured induction, continuous learning, internal qualifications, mentoring, and excellent internal progression paths.

• Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health support via MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and gym membership discounts.

• Retail Discounts: Exclusive savings across major retailers, cinemas, leisure experiences, mobile plans, and hospitality.

Important Eligibility & Compliance Requirements

• Right to Work: You must have the right to work in the UK. (Note: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Visa holders must have at least 2 years remaining and at least 1 year of UK residency).

• Vetting & Checks: Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, occupational health assessments, and satisfactory employment references.

• Exemptions: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All team members are subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

• Safeguarding: All colleagues share responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and must complete required training and adhere to company policies.