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Detainee Custody Officers (DCOs)

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04-09-2008   30-09-2008 Salary: £22,663 pa + Benefits • Average 48 hours per week Reference No.: GPDCO5


New Centre, New Staff, New Beginnings - It starts with you... These are exciting times for GSL, the largest private provider of Immigration Services for the UK Borders Agency (UKBA). Due to open in March 2009, Brook House Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) is a new contract with new facilities and new staff... and that's where you come in.



Holding up to 426 male detainees with an ever changing population, some of the detainees will spend a few months at the Centre and some only a few days. We need people with positive attitiudes, communication and interpersonal skills to ensure that a balance of care, security and welfare is provided for the people who are in our care.

We're looking for around 100 people from a broad range of backgrounds with the ability to relate to others from many nationalities, faiths and cultures.

A team player, confident and approachable, with good communication skills, able to use your initiative and think on your feet - does this sound like you? Are you non-judgmental with an adaptable, vigilant approach and the ability to remain calm under pressure? If the answer is yes, this people focused role might be for you.

At GSL we invest heavily in our people and if you join us, a uniform, company pension, competitive holiday allowance and comprehensive training programmes are just some of the benefits you can look forward to.

A Day in the Life of a Detainee Custody Officer (DCO)

I started working for GSL as an Assistant Custody Officer (ACO) nearly two years ago. After one week's full time training, I worked in many different areas of the centre including reception, switchboard, stores, the gatehouse and security supporting fully qualified colleagues. Following my development review with my manager, I decided to apply to become a DCO.

I completed my seven week Initial Training Course (ITC) so I'm now shadowing an experienced officer whilst I learn the job. I've just been presented with my Home Office DCO badge which is presented to all DCOs when they successfully complete their training.

While I'm still learning the job, I have an experienced officer with me all the time, making sure that I've understood how to carry out all the procedures we follow. I'm also learning a lot about using my interpersonal skills to assist detainees with any queries and help maintain order within the Centre.

I start my shift, day or night, with a briefing from my team leader, who updates the whole shift about any issues in the Centre and any tasks that need to be completed on that shift. The shift start times vary so I tend to miss rush hour on my journey to work.

The area of the Centre I work in changes regularly so I might be doing internal patrols for an hour, checking the library, the prayer room and the TV rooms, then into the detainee reception for an hour. Wherever I am, my focus is on interaction with detainees.

Although there's a lot of routine, every day is different because we're dealing with people and I can see how all the procedures allow the team and the Centre to run smoothly.

We are always busy and because we work as a team, time passes quickly. I've learnt a lot of new skills since working here, especially listening and being confident to talk with the detainees when they get stressed at the situation they face. A lot of them come and thank me when they're leaving which is really nice.

I've been told I'll have regular refresher training, including First Aid at Work and an annual Control and Restraint course to ensure I'm always updating my skills. Also in the longer term there are more career opportunities within the Company as well as opportunities for me to develop.

James Oldfield
Detainee Custody Officer

What will I be doing?

DCOs are responsible for ensuring the safe, secure, care and welfare of people who are detained by the authorities awaiting either deportation or the outcome of a legal process to determine whether they can stay in the UK or will be asked to leave.

As a DCO your duties will include:

 

Are you the person we're looking for?

Being a DCO isn't always plain sailing. It requires motivation, determination, initiative, adaptability and flexibility. You'll be dealing with a wide variety of people as well as following standard processes and procedures in line with training and regulations, so the ability to follow instructions and respond positively is vital.

We need people from a broad range of backgrounds with life experience who are good at listening to others, vigilant, non-judgmental and can remain calm and in control under pressure. As part of a DCOs you'll face challenges so you'll need to think on your feet and use your initiative.

Communication with people from many nationalities, faiths and cultures is key to your success. The ability to create a calm and positive environment where everyone feels safe and secure requires a subtle blend of confidence and approachability combined with a versatile and vigilant approach.

We pride ourselves on making a difference to everyone we come into contact with. Both staff and detainees are treated with respect.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the working hours?

Hours are based on a rotating shift pattern including earlies, lates and nights ensuring the Centre is fully operational 24/7 and 365 days a year. Your working hours will be an average of 48 hours a week.

Will I be working with the same people all the time?

DCOs work as part of a team to deliver a high quality flexible service. You will work in a variety of different areas and on a daily or hourly basis will move to different parts of the Centre. Working with many different people all day every day means that the ability to build relationships and trust quickly is vital.

Do I need previous experience in this type of work?
We welcome applications from people fom all backgrounds with life experience and a common sense approach. Your attitude, motivation and a non-judgmental approach are essential. Our comprehensive training programme is designed to equip you with the skills needed for the job as well as practical experience.

What training will I receive?
In order to become a DCO, you will attend our full time comprehensive seven week Home Office approved Initial Training Course (ITC), which covers skills such as communication, security, first aid, control and restraint. The ITC is followed by shadow training where you will work with more experienced DCOs in order to gain practical experience of all aspects of the job.

When would I start work?
Following successful completion of the assessment day you will be asked to attend a medical examination. If this is satisfactory you will be formally offered a job. At this stage you may be asked to provide further personal information so we can carry out vetting procedures. This includes checking your 10 year checkable history, names of employers, references, where you have lived and if you have County Court Judgements (CCJs) or a criminal record. You will also also need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum period of three years. All these checks can take up to 16 weeks before you start with us.

 

If you join us, these are some of the benefits you'll receive: 

 

To Apply

If you think you've got what it takes to be a DCO, you could train for a career that's both challenging and rewarding. 

 We will be recruiting again in September so please keep an eye on our website and also the local press, or call us on 0844 891 3333 for more information.

Please note that all our vacancies are subject to a 10 year checkable history and the strict vetting standards set by GSL and the Secretary of State for the Home Office which can take up to 16 weeks. You will also need to prove your residence in the UK for three years. Successful applicants will commence work in Winter 2008 and Brook House is due to open in March 2009.

 

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