About Unlocked graduates
Unlocked Graduates: Unlocking Potential in Prison Officers
Unlocked Graduates is a unique organization that aims to unlock the potential of prison officers and transform the criminal justice system. Founded in 2016, Unlocked Graduates has quickly become a leading force in the field of prison reform, offering a two-year leadership development program for graduates who are passionate about social justice and want to make a difference.
The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to become effective prison officers and leaders within the criminal justice system. It combines academic study with practical experience working as frontline prison officers in some of the most challenging prisons in England and Wales.
Unlocked Graduates believes that by attracting talented graduates from diverse backgrounds into the profession, it can help to change perceptions about what it means to be a prison officer. The organization aims to challenge stereotypes about who can work in prisons and demonstrate that this is an important role that requires intelligence, empathy, resilience, and leadership skills.
The Unlocked Graduates program offers participants an opportunity to gain valuable experience working with prisoners from all walks of life. They will learn how to manage complex situations effectively while maintaining safety and security within prisons. They will also develop their communication skills by building relationships with prisoners based on trust and respect.
In addition to gaining practical experience as frontline prison officers, participants will also receive high-quality training from leading experts in criminology, psychology, law enforcement, public policy, leadership development, and more. This training will help them develop their critical thinking skills so they can analyze complex issues related to crime prevention and rehabilitation.
One of the key benefits of participating in Unlocked Graduates' program is access to its extensive network of partners across government agencies such as Her Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS), charities like The Howard League for Penal Reform or Clinks or think tanks like Centre for Social Justice or Institute for Government . These partnerships provide participants with opportunities to learn from experts in the field and gain insights into the latest research and best practices related to criminal justice reform.
Unlocked Graduates is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its program. It actively seeks out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who have experienced disadvantage or discrimination. The organization believes that by creating a diverse cohort of participants, it can help to challenge systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.
The Unlocked Graduates program has already had a significant impact on the lives of its participants and on the wider criminal justice system. Many graduates have gone on to become leaders within HMPS or other organizations working in this field. They are using their skills and knowledge to drive positive change and improve outcomes for prisoners.
In conclusion, Unlocked Graduates is an innovative organization that is transforming perceptions about prison officers while also making a real difference in the lives of prisoners. Its leadership development program offers graduates an opportunity to gain valuable experience working as frontline prison officers while also receiving high-quality training from leading experts in criminology, psychology, law enforcement, public policy, leadership development etc.. By attracting talented graduates from diverse backgrounds into this profession , Unlocked Graduates is helping to create a more inclusive and effective criminal justice system for all.