24th September 2025
Every year, Hidden Heroes Day provides the opportunity to spotlight some of the incredible work being done by those working in our prisons. Frontline staff are supporting some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people every day while working in incredibly challenging environments, yet they are so often forgotten.
We spoke to Cassie who was a member of the first-ever Unlocked Graduates cohort in 2017 about her journey in the prison system and the heroes that have supported her along the way.
Since completing the Unlocked programme, Cassie has continued to lead impact across the system. After spending time working with a criminal justice charity, she returned to the prison service and to Unlocked, supporting some of our participants as a Mentoring Prison Officer. She has recently also completed the Unlocked ChangeMakers programme – our new middle leadership development scheme for custodial managers – as she continues to drive change as a leader in her prison.
Why did you first apply to the Unlocked programme?
I was part of the first Unlocked cohort in 2017. I was studying criminology and had begun thinking about my future career, but I also didn’t want to stop learning. I had originally considered the police route, but when Unlocked Graduates came about, I had to apply. I have always been interested in prisons, and this felt like the perfect fit, giving me the opportunity to support people, and challenge cultures and myself.
Many people ask why I choose to work in a prison: every day, I have the opportunity to support people to transform their lives, building self-esteem and creating better futures.
You’ve been involved with Unlocked since our first cohort in 2017. Could you tell us more about your journey?
My journey is quite unique. I first started in 2017 with Unlocked and spent two years on the programme before transferring on promotion as part of the accelerated development scheme. I went on to spend time working for a charity that supports people to get into work after leaving prison, before returning to the service and becoming a Mentoring Prison Officer (MPO) with Unlocked. The MPO role was brilliant, I learnt so much about how to be a leader and developed skills I still use as a custodial manager.
This year, I completed the Unlocked ChangeMakers programme. I thought it was a brilliant opportunity for all custodial managers, both new and experienced, and I was delighted to gain a place to develop both my leadership and managerial skills.
Every day, I have the opportunity to support people to transform their lives, building self-esteem and creating better futures.
Today marks Hidden Heroes’ Day. Is there someone in the prison service who you consider a hero for how they have supported you during your career so far?
During my time on the programme, my Mentoring Prison Officer was a hero for me. Alongside a few members of the Unlocked team, he helped me through one of the most challenging periods of my life. My two years weren’t easy. I faced a tough culture and came close to leaving the service. But they never let me forget my potential. Their belief in me and the support they gave helped me find the resilience I didn’t know I had. I am so thankful, as I would not be where I am today without this support.
Looking back on your own time in the prison service so far, what are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of the positive culture I’ve built on my wing. One initiative I introduced was a shoutout board, which staff now use daily to recognise and celebrate each other’s contributions. This simple addition has helped create a supportive environment where people enjoy coming to work, feel safe to speak up, and know they’ll be heard. It’s especially meaningful to me because I didn’t always experience that kind of culture, and now I’ve had the opportunity to create it for others. I’m also proud that our department recently received a very successful HMIP report. It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the whole team, supporting the prisoners in our care.
Hidden Heroes Day is celebrated every September to recognise the incredible work being done by the frontline workforce in prisons, probation, and other custodial settings. Find out more here: https://www.hiddenheroes.uk/