Youth Escort & Custody Driver
About this role
Job Title: Youth Escort & Custody Driver
Company Name: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency (recruiting on behalf of Prisoner Escort Custody Services / PECS)
Location: Eastleigh Vehicle Base, SO53 4HZ (Eastleigh, Hampshire, United Kingdom)
Job ID: 305286
Job Type: Full Time (Regular / Permanent)
About Us
At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we connect dedicated, compassionate individuals with vital roles that make a true difference in our communities. We are proud to partner with industry leaders to recruit essential personnel for the justice and immigration sector. Join the Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) team as a Youth Escort Custody Officer (ECO) and play a pivotal role in keeping the justice system safe, secure, and moving forward.
The Role & Your Impact
As a Youth Escort & Custody Driver, you will be part of a dedicated crew delivering safe and secure transport and custody services for children and young people. You will collect young individuals from secure settings, escort them to court, ensure their welfare throughout the journey, and support their safe return or release.
Key Responsibilities:
Attend briefings to receive route and detainee details.
Carry out thorough risk assessments and vehicle checks.
Liaise with secure establishments to confirm movements and schedules.
Engage, reassure, and support young people during transport.
Manage a range of situations, support vulnerable individuals, and de-escalate conflict.
Prevent harm or escape while managing behavior and risk.
Share relevant information with court staff and supervise detainees at court.
Complete all essential paperwork and administrative checks accurately.
Salary & Earnings
Enjoy great job security and stability with clear financial progression:
Initial Training Salary: £25,555 per annum (based on 35 hours per week).
Graduated Base Salary: £29,205 per annum (based on 40 hours per week), with structured annual progression:
Year 2: £29,932
Year 3: £30,496
Year 4: £31,063
Additional Allowances: Earn an extra £600 per year via a driving allowance (subject to terms).
Potential First-Year Earnings: Combine your base salary with average overtime (approx. 8 hours per week) for a potential first-year income of £34,805!
Working Hours & Rota
Operations run 24/6 across early and late shifts, so flexibility is essential.
Finishing times can sometimes be unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond contracted hours to meet operational demands.
Shifts are set on a fixed rota provided 12 weeks in advance, giving you great visibility to plan ahead.
Part-time working may be considered, but must cover full working days (reduced daily hours are not available).
What We Are Looking For
Our ECOs come from a diverse range of backgrounds—including security, transport, health and social care, support work, retail, customer service, and hospitality. What matters most is that you are reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate.
Requirements:
Essential: Full UK driving licence (Classes B/B1).
Reasonable physical fitness to meet the demands of the role.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to stay calm, professional, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Confidence in managing behavior, handling challenging situations, and de-escalating conflict.
Strong teamwork skills and the ability to follow rigorous processes accurately.
High standards of professionalism, integrity, and absolute respect for confidentiality.
A genuine interest in working with, safeguarding, and supporting children and young people.
Benefits & Rewards
Holidays: 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata’d), rising to 25 days after 7 years of service.
Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
Training & Development: Comprehensive 5½-week paid initial training, ongoing learning, access to internal courses, qualifications, mentoring, and clear paths for internal career progression.
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health support via MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and gym membership discounts.
Retail & Lifestyle Discounts: Savings across major high street retailers, cinema tickets, Merlin attractions, hospitality, and mobile plans.
Recruitment Process & Vetting
Online Application: Includes eligibility questions and online assessments.
Virtual Assessment: Competency-based interview, a short roleplay, and an online written exercise.
Documentation Checks: Initial right-to-work and vetting checks.
Job Offer & Training Start Date.
Note: Job offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced 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. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK (visa restrictions apply; please check full details if applicable).