Youth Escort & Custody Driver
About this role
Youth Escort & Custody Driver (Escort Custody Officer - ECO)
Location: Sittingbourne Vehicle Base, Kent, United Kingdom (ME10 2PG)
Job ID: 304865
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 Allowance: Additional £600 per year driving allowance (subject to terms).
Potential First-Year Income: Up to £34,805 when combined with base salary, the driving allowance, and average overtime (8 hrs pw).
About Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
At Supportive Bridge, we connect reliable, compassionate professionals with crucial public-sector operations. Partnering with top-tier justice service providers, we specialize in placing candidates into stable, rewarding careers where your daily work safeguards vulnerable young people and keeps the justice system moving safely.
Role Overview
As a Youth Escort Custody Officer (ECO) & Driver within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), you will be part of a crew delivering safe, secure transport and custody services specifically for children and young people. You will collect young individuals from secure settings, escort them to court, monitor their welfare throughout transit, and support their safe return or release.
Key Responsibilities:
Pre-Ops & Briefings: Attend briefings, review route details, and carry out risk assessments and vehicle checks.
Secure Transport & Engagement: Engage and support young detainees during transit while managing safety, preventing harm, and maintaining professional standards.
Court Coordination: Share essential information with court personnel, supervise young people at court, and complete handovers.
Documentation & Incident Response: Complete accurate paperwork and manage a variety of sensitive situations while prioritizing the protection of vulnerable individuals.
What We Are Looking For
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds—including youth work, care, security, driving, logistics, and customer service. What matters most is that you are reliable, trustworthy, compassionate, and genuinely interested in working with children and young people.
Requirements:
Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence (B/B1) is essential.
Core Competencies: Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, calmness under pressure, de-escalation skills, 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, backed by ongoing support from 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) alongside structured annual pay progression and driving allowances.
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, entertainment, and lifestyle discounts.
Our Recruitment Process
Online Application: Submit your profile, eligibility answers, and online assessments.
Virtual Assessment: Competency-based interview, a brief online roleplay, and a written exercise.
Vetting & Checks: Right-to-work verification, Enhanced DBS, references, and occupational health checks.
Job Offer: Confirmation of your placement and start date for your paid training course.