Detainee escort driver – Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre

Join Us and Make a Difference

Location: Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (IRC)
Salary: £32, 848 based on a 40-hour working week

Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre is seeking professional, compassionate and resilient individuals to join our team as Detainee Escort Driver.

This is a rewarding role where you will contribute to the safe, secure and respectful management of residents while supporting their welfare and facilitating essential movements both within the immigration estate and to external appointments.

About the Role

As a Detainee escort driver, you will be responsible for the care, supervision and safe transportation of residents. The role combines operational, security and people-focused responsibilities, requiring excellent communication skills, sound judgement and a professional approach at all times.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing care, supervision and support to residents within the centre.
• Escorting residents to and from hospital appointments, court appearances and other authorised external appointments.
• Transporting residents safely between immigration facilities and other designated locations.
• Maintaining the dignity, welfare and wellbeing of residents throughout their time in your care.
• Ensuring compliance with all security, safety and operational procedures.
• Conducting vehicle checks and ensuring vehicles remain safe and serviceable.
• Responding appropriately to incidents, emergencies and welfare concerns.
• Building positive and professional relationships with residents, colleagues and partner agencies.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports and documentation.

This is a 24-hour operation, and successful candidates will be required to work a combination of day and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A calm, professional and non-judgemental approach.
• The ability to manage challenging situations effectively.
• Good decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Resilience and adaptability within a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to treating everyone with dignity, respect and fairness.

Experience in customer service, security, healthcare, social care, hospitality, the emergency services or the armed forces is advantageous but not essential.

Training and Development

No previous experience is required, as full training and support will be provided.

Successful candidates will complete a fully paid 7-week induction programme, including Control and Restraint training. You will then receive ongoing mentoring, workplace assessments and support towards achieving a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.

Benefits

• Structured shift patterns published well in advance to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Clear career progression pathways.
• Free parking and uniform.
• Access to online GP services and wellbeing support.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension and Life Assurance schemes.
• Employee reward and recognition programmes.
• Retail, leisure, travel and lifestyle discounts.
• Eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a UK Citizen, a Commonwealth Citizen with Indefinite Leave to Remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen.
• Hold a valid UK passport.
• Have lived continuously in the UK for the previous three years, with no single absence exceeding three months.
• Successfully pass Enhanced DBS, employment referencing and Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting.
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence with at least 12 months' driving experience.
• Have fewer than seven penalty points on their driving licence and no driving disqualifications within the previous 12 months.
• Be aged 21 years or over.

Important Information

Due to the safety-critical nature of this role, employees must not be under the influence of any substance, including prescribed medication, that may impair their ability to perform duties safely. This includes THC-based prescriptions due to the current lack of reliable evidence relating to safe levels of THC in the system.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered in line with our obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

To maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance, we operate a random drug and alcohol testing programme. Participation in this programme is a condition of employment.

Please note: Applications cannot be progressed without a valid UK passport and a full UK manual driving licence.

Application Process

Successful applicants will be invited to complete:

• Interview
• Capability assessments
• Full vetting and screening process

Apply Today

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career where you can make a meaningful difference while developing valuable skills and qualifications, we encourage you to apply for the role of Detainee escort driver at Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre.