Since 1987, Mitie’s 68,000 employees, have been serving companies and communities across the world. We're the UK’s leading facilities management company. Our clients range from banks to retailers, hospitals to schools, and critical government sites. We make a positive difference to millions of people, every day, and we're very proud of this. Join us and together there's no limit to what we can achieve.
Detention Custody Officer - Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre
Care & Custody will be holding assessment centres on the following dates:
Throughout September and October 2026
- £32,848.40 per annum
- 40 hours per week
- Retail and restaurant discount vouchers
- No experience necessary full training given.
FULL TRAINING GIVEN ON FULL PAY.
Are you looking for a new role where you can genuinely make a difference to people's lives?
Care & Custody is one of the leading providers of outsourced public services in the UK. We're looking for respectful, diligent and caring people to join our team of Detention Custody Officers (DCO).
Specialising in custodial management services we are responsible for managing Europe's largest Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), just outside Heathrow in UB7 0HB. We care for up to 1200 immigration residents providing custody services, welfare, regime and recreational activity.
Assessment Centre Dates – face to face assessment centres will be run throughout 2026.
Initial Training Course (ITC) - 5 week Initial Training Courses will run throughout 2026 & 2027. Training is paid and is the first day of employment, subject to full CTC clearance.
The Role
Our DCOs work with extraordinary courage and resilience, keeping those in our care safe and secure. You will be joining a team whose job security is high based on delivering essential public services through this critical role.
Working as a DCO within our team will provide you with the opportunity to maintain high standards of security and safety whilst promoting the welfare and decency of residents staying at our immigration removal centre. This is a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. As you gain experience within this challenging role, we'll support you throughout your time to grow and develop.
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week (shift work covering days and nights)
- Flexibility will be needed to work a mixture of short and long day shifts.
- The centre is operational 24/7/365 and your rolling roster covering 51 weeks will help you plan your work/life balance.
You must be eligible to obtain CTC clearance. Which means you hold a valid UK passport, or EU passport with Share Code, or have ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from a Commonwealth country, you have lived and worked in the UK for 3 years with no extended (more than 3 months) trips overseas, have no criminal conviction or be part of an ongoing police investigation.
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Who we're looking for.
Being a DCO demands people skills, patience, resilience, and professionalism to handle an ever-changing day. Those in our care come from a variety of backgrounds and you will need communication skills to support colleagues, work together and deliver an exceptional service to our residents. Previous experience of sensitively dealing with a variety of people who have been agitated, confused or angry would be an advantage.
Training (Initial Training Course)
Once you have passed our selection and vetting process, you'll begin your Care and Custody career by undertaking our 5-week initial training course. Training is paid and is the first day of employment.
Specific Requirements
Please note that all offers of employment are subject to security clearance and enhanced background checks.
Benefits
- Continued personal development with full support given to enhance your career.
- Ability to achieve a work/life balance.
- A benefits package including pension, private medical cover, share and MiDeals discount schemes with over 3000 offers available from your favourite retailers, leisure, and utilities companies.
- Free meals during working hours in addition to use of the IRC's fully equipped gym, free parking is also provided.
