Graduate Leadership Development Programme – Prisons

Unlocked is a unique two-year leadership development programme which recruits top graduates and career changers to work in prisons as officers for two years. Our officers take on one of the biggest challenges in public service as they work to break cycles of reoffending and give a second chance to some of the most vulnerable people in society.Participants on the programme take on one of the toughest frontline jobs there is, learning skills that will propel them into leadership roles in a range of sectors when they complete the scheme. Supported at every step of the way with a rigorous training programme and experienced mentor, they are also fully funded to complete a Master's degree that will push them to develop new approaches and policies in their prisons.

This is a career that gets a reaction. And if you’re the kind of person we’re looking for, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

That’s because we’re experts at developing the sort of graduates who relish a challenge, and chance to become well-rounded and respected leaders as frontline prison officers.

In fact, we’re in the top half of the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers list. It’s the rare chance to help lead prison reform, whilst enjoying a salary of up to £30k, funded MSc and wealth of training.

The confidence and capabilities you’ll build on our two-year Graduate Leadership Development Programme will help to open minds – and doors to some of the country’s top employers.

As a prison officer with influence, you’ll join a team of graduates of all disciplines who are as level-headed and ambitious as you are. You’ll also have a mentor to help you put your training into practice on all that’s involved in keeping a prison running smoothly – from supporting education initiatives and motivating prisoners to work, to searching cells and pinpointing pressure points within the prison.

There’s lots of autonomy. And we’ll make sure you’re ready for it. In fact, three quarters of our graduates took on more responsibility during their two years on our programme, with one in ten getting promoted.

Your journey starts as a prison officer. Where it goes is up to you. You might develop a career in the justice system, or with the global businesses who look to us for graduates they know are highly employable leaders.

As we want to reduce the £18bn cost of reoffending, we’ll also support you to run with your ideas on how to change things, and present a paper to the Ministry of Justice that could shape the entire justice system.

It’s an opportunity like no other. It’ll also a chance to surprise yourself, and everyone else, by just how much of a difference you’ll make. Make your next two years count. And set yourself up for success beyond our walls, too.

What we can offer you?

• A salary of between £22,293 to £30,094 (depending on location)
• A fully funded Master's degree
• Ongoing support and guidance from a senior mentor
• Leadership opportunities
• Development and career opportunities with partner organisations such as the Ministry of Justice

What are we looking for?

Unlocked Graduates is a demanding programme and you will need a special combination of attributes and skills both to gain entry to the programme and to be successful in the role.

Requirements:

• A 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
• An ambitious problem solver
• A good negotiator
• A resilient attitude