Prisoner Custody Officer
About this role
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) - Full-Time
Location: Isleworth Crown Court, TW7 5LG
Salary: £28,179 per annum (35 hours per week)
Salary Progression: Clear annual pay increases (Year 2: £28,865; Year 3: £29,508; Year 4: £30,172)
Job Type: Full-Time / Regular (Permanent)
Job ID: 303249
About the Role
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to be recruiting on behalf of our trusted partners for a committed Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS).
Based at Isleworth Crown Court, you will play an essential role in keeping the justice system safe, secure, and running smoothly. Working as part of a dedicated team, you will manage safe escorting and custody operations while guaranteeing the welfare and security of detainees throughout court proceedings.
Working Hours: Operates 24/6 across early and late shifts on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance. Flexibility is essential as finishing times can occasionally be unpredictable.
Key Responsibilities
Escort & Security: Securely escort detainees within the court environment, including to courtrooms, holding cells, and secure facilities.
Court Supervision: Supervise detainees closely during hearings to preserve absolute safety, order, and security.
Welfare & Care: Support detainee welfare needs, including managing access to food, hydration, and conducting routine wellbeing checks.
Incident Management: Monitor behaviour proactively, manage sensitive situations, de-escalate conflict, and respond swiftly to any incidents or risks.
Compliance & Documentation: Conduct necessary security searches and complete precise, accurate administrative records and logs.
Partnership Working: Collaborate closely with court staff, judiciary members, and external agencies to ensure seamless daily operations.
What You’ll Need
Background: Our PCOs come from diverse fields—such as security, customer service, care work, retail, logistics, and HM Forces. Your dedication to making a difference is what matters most.
Training Provided: Receive full professional preparation through a comprehensive 5½-week paid training course, backed by ongoing mentoring from experienced colleagues.
Key Requirements:
Full UK driving licence (B/B1) is desirable.
Reasonable physical fitness to meet the active demands of the role.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
The ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive under pressure.
Integrity, discretion, and strict respect for confidentiality.
What We Offer
Holidays: 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 days after 7 years of service) plus bank holidays (pro-rata).
Pension: Up to 6% contributory employer-matched pension scheme.
Training & Career Progression: Structured induction, continued professional development, access to internal qualifications, and clear progression routes.
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health support from charity partner MIND, SimplyHealth cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and gym membership discounts.
Perks & Discounts: Exclusive savings across major high street retailers, entertainment, cinema, travel, mobile plans, and Merlin attractions.
Vetting & Eligibility
Offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, employment references, and occupational health clearance.
This role is legally exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK (with at least 2 years remaining on existing visas and 1 year of continuous UK residency for counter-signatory checks).