Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver
About this role
Job Advertisement: Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver
Company Name: Support Bridge Staffing Agency
Location: Burgess Hill Vehicle Base, RH15 9RD
Salary:
Initial Training Salary: £25,555 per annum (35 hours per week)
Graduated Base Salary: £29,205 per annum (40 hours per week), with clear annual progression (Year 2: £29,932; Year 3: £30,496; Year 4: £31,063)
Additional Driving Allowances: B/B1 licence: £600 per year | C1 licence: £2,400 per year
Potential first-year income between £34,805 and £36,605 when combined with base salary and average overtime (8 hours per week)!
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (24/6 shift rota across early and late shifts; flexibility required)
Job ID: 303424
Keep people safe. Keep justice moving.
Support Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with essential justice and transport networks to connect reliable, compassionate professionals with secure, long-term careers. We are currently recruiting a dedicated Prisoner Escort & Custody Driver (Prisoner Custody Officer - PCO) to join our Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) team based at the Burgess Hill Vehicle Base.
In this vital role, you will work as part of a crew delivering safe and secure transport and custody services. You will escort detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring their welfare, dignity, and safety at all times while helping keep the justice system running smoothly.
What You’ll Do
Briefings & Safety Checks: Attend daily operational briefings, receive detainee and risk details, and conduct thorough pre-trip vehicle and equipment checks.
Secure Transport & Escort: Safely collect, search, and transport detainees to courts or between establishments, adhering strictly to custody and security protocols.
Welfare Monitoring: Actively monitor detainee welfare throughout transit via regular checks and comfort stops, ensuring compassionate care.
Court Custody & Documentation: Carry out court-based escorting, cell supervision, end-of-shift documentation, and incident reporting as operational needs require.
Flexible Shift Operations: Work collaboratively across a 12-week advance shift rota, responding flexibly to operational demands and extended hours.
What We Are Looking For
Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is essential (B1 or C1; C1 licence holders should ideally hold a valid CPC).
Diverse Backgrounds: We welcome applicants from all walks of life—security, driving, care, retail, customer service, or logistics. Your reliability, compassion, and integrity are what matter most!
Key Skills: Excellent communication skills, calm decision-making under pressure, conflict de-escalation abilities, and strict adherence to safeguarding.
Vetting & Compliance: Ability to pass Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, and random drug/alcohol testing. (Note: Must have the right to work in the UK with at least 2 years remaining on any visa and 1 year of UK residency).
What We Offer You
Comprehensive Training: Fully paid 5.5-week structured induction training program, plus continuous support and mentorship from experienced team members.
Leave Allowance: 20 days’ annual leave (rising to 25 days after 7 years' service) plus bank holidays (pro-rata).
Pension Scheme: Up to 6% contributory employer pension scheme.
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health support via MIND, Simplyhealth cash and dental plans, and discounts on gym memberships.
Retail Perks: Savings across major retailers, leisure experiences, cinema, hospitality, and mobile plans.
Vetting and Checks
Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory employment references, and occupational health checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all staff are subject to random alcohol and drug testing.