Detention Custody Officer AP

Detainee Custody Officer – Gatwick DCO Airport Based

Salary £32,635.00 based on 42 hours per week.

As a Detention Custody Officer, you will be responsible for the safety, welfare, and security of detained immigration residents, ensuring compliance with immigration procedures and maintaining a professional, respectful environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A calm and non‑judgemental approach
• Great problem‑solving abilities
• The ability to stay composed under pressure

In‑Country Escorting DCO – Vehicle Base

• Escort and transport immigration residents within the UK.
• Drive a small minibus‑sized vehicle, ensuring safe transportation of those in your care.
• Maintain high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect.

In‑Country Escorting DCO – Gatwick Airport

• Provide care to immigration residents in a fixed location.
• Maintain high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect.

Work a mix of day and night shifts, covering a 24/7, 365‑day operation.

Full training and support will be provided. If you have experience handling challenging situations or working with people in distress, that would be a plus.

Training: 4‑week paid training course, followed by 13 months of on‑the‑job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.

• Structured shifts with up to one year advance planning.
• Career growth opportunities from Level 3 Apprenticeship towards leadership roles.
• Free parking and uniform.
• Paid training course.
• Access to online GP services.
• Holiday allowance with option to purchase extra days.
• Pension and life assurance.
• Reward & Recognition scheme.
• Discounts on cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships, holidays, health & wellbeing benefits.
• Blue‑Light discount card available for DCOs.

• UK Citizen, Commonwealth Citizen with indefinite leave to remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen.
• Valid UK passport (expired visas in out‑of‑date passports cannot be accepted).
• Lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years, with no single absence over 3 months.
• Passed an Enhanced DBS check, employer referencing (last 5 years), and Counter‑Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting.
• Full UK manual driving licence (at least 12 months of experience).
• Fewer than 7 points on your licence and no driving bans in the last 12 months.
• Over 21 years of age.