Detention Custody Officer AP

Detainee Custody Officer – Gatwick DCO Airport Based

Join Us and Make a Difference

Gatwick Airport DCO:
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 in every aspect, ensuring compliance with immigration procedures and maintaining a professional and respectful environment while upholding all legal and operational standards.

We’re looking for respectful, caring, and resilient individuals to join our team. If you have:

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

Then this could be the perfect role for you!

As an In‑Country Escorting DCO at the Vehicle Base, you’ll be responsible for:

• Escorting and transporting immigration residents within the UK
• Driving a small minibus‑sized vehicle and ensuring the safe transportation of those in your care
• Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect

As an In‑Country Escorting DCO at Gatwick Airport DCO, you’ll be responsible for:

• Providing care to immigration residents in a fixed location
• Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect

This role requires flexibility, as you will work a mix of day and night shifts, covering a 24/7, 365‑day operation.

No prior experience or qualifications are needed—full training and support will be provided. If you have experience handling challenging situations or working with people in distress, it would be a plus.

Your journey begins with a 4‑week paid training course, including a control and restraint training course. Over the next 13 months, you’ll receive on‑the‑job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.

• Work‑life balance – structured shifts for stability, up to 1 year in advance so you can plan your goals and travel.
• Career growth – start with a Level 3 Apprenticeship with opportunities for leadership roles.
• Continued personal development with full support to enhance your career.
• Free parking and uniform.
• Training: 4‑week fully paid training course.
• A great selection of benefits including access to online GP services, share options, and a generous holiday allowance.
• Pension and life assurance.
• Reward & Recognition scheme.
• Discounts covering cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships, holidays, health & wellbeing benefits. As a DCO, you can apply for a Blue Light discount card.

• Be a UK Citizen, a Commonwealth Citizen with indefinite leave to remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen.
• Hold a valid UK passport (expired visas in out‑of‑date passports cannot be accepted).
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years, with no single absence over 3 months.
• Pass an Enhanced DBS check, employer referencing (last 5 years), and Counter‑Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting.
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence with at least 12 months of experience.
• Have fewer than 7 points on your licence and no driving bans in the last 12 months.
• Be over 21 years of age.
• Important:
  If you do not have a valid UK passport and a full UK manual car driving licence, we cannot proceed with your application.

Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment process which includes:

• Interview
• Capability assessments
• Full vetting screening

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and start your journey with us!