Unlocked Graduates - Leadership Development Programme

Salary: £22,293 to £30,094

Location: London, South East, North West and West Midlands

Who are we?

Unlocked Graduates is a two-year programme that is putting brilliant graduates and career changers at the heart of prison reform. At the moment, nearly half of all prisoners re-offend within a year of release, creating yet more victims, causing untold damage, and costing the UK more than £15bn.

Our solution is a unique leadership programme where participants work as frontline prison officers while completing a fully-funded master's degree in leadership.

They support prisoners to turn their lives around, lead system change and develop the skills to excel no matter where they go in the future. The problems facing prisons are some of the most complex in our society.

What you can expect

The problems facing prisons are some of the most complex in our society. Our graduates need to be ambitious problem solvers who are willing to hone their skills at the frontline while also thinking about the big picture. Gathering intelligence and using their negotiation skills- whether on the landing or in the Governor's office. But we're not just looking for people who can excel at the job. We want people who can help shape the whole system for the better. That's why as the part of the programme, our Unlocked Graduates do a fully-funded, Master's degree focusing on leadership and rehabilitation. Combining academic study with real-world experience will give you the tools to trial and assess your own solutions in your prison.

In your second year, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a policy paper and present your findings to the Ministry of Justice.

When you're working as a prison officer, no day is ever the same. Helping some of the most vulnerable and challenging people in society means always being prepared for new situations, and always ready to be an advocate, negotiator, diplomat and leader, all at the same time. You'll develop your skills in leadership, communication, relationship-building, decision-making and resilience, and change lives while you do.

What happens after the programme finishes?

Following the two-year programme you're free to decide whether to stay or leave the prison system. Either way, we'll continue to support your development as part of a growing network of change-making alumni putting their new skills into action. Being a prison officer is about so much more than locking up, and with Unlocked Graduates, it can really open doors.

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

Closing date: March 2020