Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver

Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver (PCO)

Location: Woking Vehicle Base, Surrey, United Kingdom (GU21 3BA)

Job ID: 306035

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

Salary & Earnings:

• Initial Training Salary: £25,555 per annum (35 hrs pw)

• Graduated Base Salary: £29,205 per annum (40 hrs pw) with clear annual progression up to £31,063 by Year 4.

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

• Potential First-Year Income: Between £34,805 and £36,605 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 leading 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: Full UK driving licence essential (B1/C1 subject to requirements). C1 licence holders should ideally hold a valid CPC 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.