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You’re a carer, a teacher, a parent and a counsellor. You make things easier for people when they’re at their most vulnerable.
Stacey
Detention Custody Officer
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Be the difference for someone during one of the most difficult times of their life.
Step up, and help deliver a vital public service. Start your journey as a Detention Custody Officer (DCO) with Serco.
At our Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs), we provide safe, secure and respectful environments for residents at a critical point in their lives. But it’s your empathy, calm under pressure and sense of right and wrong that make the real difference.
If you’ve got grit, heart, and backbone — and you’re looking for a role that means something — you’ll find purpose here.
At our Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs), we provide safe, secure and respectful environments for residents at a critical point in their lives. But it’s your empathy, calm under pressure and sense of right and wrong that make the real difference.
If you’ve got grit, heart, and backbone — and you’re looking for a role that means something — you’ll find purpose here.
Career Paths at Serco
Your role
You’ll ensure safety and support for people in your care — helping them feel seen, heard and safe every single day.
No two days are the same. You’ll listen, guide, reassure and help people access essential services such as healthcare, education, faith and cultural support, and legal advice. You’ll be part of a highly supportive team that works 24/7, where flexibility and teamwork matter.
“You’re a carer, a teacher, a parent and a counsellor. You make things easier for people when they’re at their most vulnerable.”
– Stacey, Custody Officer
Where you could work
What is an Immigration Removal Centre? It’s a secure facility where people without legal immigration status are held while awaiting deportation or a decision on their case. Our IRCs provide dignity, safety and support for residents from all backgrounds and cultures.
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Yarl’s Wood IRC – Bedfordshire
A transitioning site with innovative services and a strong sense of community. Our team of over 200 staff supports residents awaiting immigration clearance with care and respect.
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Gatwick IRC –
Surrey
Home to around 600 residents, Gatwick (Brook House and Tinsley House) is diverse, fast-paced and built on teamwork and trust. Over 580 colleagues work together to make every day count.
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Derwentside IRC – County Durham
A centre for adult women, Derwentside’s community model gives residents freedom of movement and choice, delivered with empathy and understanding.
The recruitment process
Getting hired is more than hitting the “Apply” button. You’ll be know the path of joining our family and become a part of our family at the moment you hit on the apply button.
2. Assessment Day
Meet the team, complete interviews and a fitness test (bleep and agility).
3. Vetting and offer
If successful, you’ll receive a provisional offer while Home Office security checks are completed.
4. Training and onboarding
Once cleared, you’ll begin your Initial Training Course and start your journey as a DCO.
What you'll bring
There’s no one type of person who makes a great DCO — but certain qualities shine through:
Empathy, resilience and good judgement
Strong communication and listening skills
What you can expect from us
We know that inclusion doesn't happen by chance - it's something we build together. That's why we've established supportive employee networks to ensure everyone has a voice.
A place you can make an impact
Every interaction matters here. As a Detention Custody Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting people through some of the most challenging moments in their lives — ensuring they’re treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
You’ll also help keep a complex system running smoothly and safely — balancing empathy with responsibility so that every process, every decision, and every day runs with care and integrity.
Your impact isn’t just in what you do — it’s in how you do it.
Whether you’re listening to someone’s story, helping them access essential services, or maintaining order in difficult situations, you’ll be shaping a space where people feel seen, supported and safe.
Here, purpose is built into the work. You’ll make a real difference — for individuals, for the system, and for society.
You’ll also help keep a complex system running smoothly and safely — balancing empathy with responsibility so that every process, every decision, and every day runs with care and integrity.
Your impact isn’t just in what you do — it’s in how you do it.
Whether you’re listening to someone’s story, helping them access essential services, or maintaining order in difficult situations, you’ll be shaping a space where people feel seen, supported and safe.
Here, purpose is built into the work. You’ll make a real difference — for individuals, for the system, and for society.
A place you can count on
We care for our people as much as we care for our residents. That means flexibility, support, and a culture built on trust, respect and inclusion.
Benefits include:
Benefits include:
- 23 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
- Up to 6% contributory pension
- Free meals on shift and Serco discounts on shopping, entertainment and leisure
- Structured salary progression as you grow
A place for you
You'll be part of a team that champions inclusion and supports everyone to be at their best. From a range of employee networks to tailored career support, you'll find a strong sense of community and the resources to thrive.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer, committed to equal opportunities and celebrating diversity in every form.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer, committed to equal opportunities and celebrating diversity in every form.