Location: Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre
Type: Full-Time (40hrs), Perm (see advert below for more details)
Salary: £26,250 per annum 

Caring. Compassionate. Resilient. Sound like you? You could be a Detention Custody Officer for Serco, using these key strengths to make a positive difference for people at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Alongside meaningful and rewarding work, we offer:

• Base salary of £26,250, rising to £27,563 after two years of service
• Comprehensive training, including a paid, in-depth 7-week training course and the opportunity to shadow experienced colleagues, giving you a real insight into the role
• Free onsite parking, free meals, and full uniform provided
• Job security
• Excellent Serco benefits including pension, life assurance, and an annual leave package designed to support your work-life balance
• A wide range of perks, including Blue Light card discounts, paid volunteering days, Long Service Awards, retail discounts, and access to the Serco People Fund providing financial support to employees and families
• A place you can grow, with continuous learning opportunities, funding for qualifications, and a wide range of career development options throughout our organisation – including opportunities to apply for management positions.

The centre operates 24/7, and we offer flexible shift patterns designed specifically to help you enjoy meaningful time off for family, personal commitments, and relaxation. Please note, public transport options may be limited, so we encourage you to consider your commute arrangements carefully.

What you’ll do
No two days are the same in this varied and rewarding role. As a DCO, you’ll be the first point of contact for detainees, helping to ensure a respectful, calm, and supportive arrival process. You'll play a vital part in their journey — supporting access to healthcare, welfare, faith and cultural services, education, and recreational activities.

Compassionate communication is key, as you'll build professional, supportive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds — treating every person with dignity and respect.

You may face challenges, but you’ll never face them alone. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and a strong team culture, so you’ll feel confident and equipped to handle whatever the day brings.

What you’ll need
Our current DCOs come from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds including retail, healthcare, hospitality, administration, education, and security. Your previous experience isn't the most important factor — what matters is your commitment, empathy, and desire to positively impact people's lives. Everything else you'll learn through our structured training programme and supportive team environment.

You'll need a reasonable level of physical fitness and good foundational skills in English and Maths, as clear communication, hand-written report writing, and basic numerical tasks form a key part of the role.

Due to genuine occupational requirements and contractual obligations, we particularly welcome applications from female candidates for this role, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Our recruitment process:

1. Complete an online application
2. Join a one-hour virtual interview, where you’ll be assessed against our criteria (competency-based questions, role play, basic maths test and written exercise). This will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions to get a clear understanding of the role.

If successful, you’ll complete a mandatory seven-week paid training course (no annual leave can be taken during this period).

What else do I need to know?

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. While we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid Right To Work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria: 

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa to ensure sufficient time in the role
• Have lived in the UK for at least three years

For general Right To Work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks and approval by the Home Office.  You’ll be required to complete Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting and an Enhanced DBS check with Adult and Child Barred List clearances. This process requires at least five years of checkable history.

All Serco employees must ensure that their current line manager is aware of their application. For confidential enquiries, please contact MyHR. Serco are Disability Confident Leader employers and are committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact [email protected].