Launch of the new strategy for Unlocked Graduates at the House of Lords

It was an honour to celebrate the launch of the new strategy for Unlocked Graduates last Thursday at the House of Lords.

The event saw brilliant speeches from Lord McNally and the Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation, Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP, who discussed their support for the Unlocked Graduates programme and the exceptional work of its participants and Ambassadors on the frontline in prisons.

Great to hear from @DamianHinds today on the impact of Unlocked Graduates so far: "I can't commend enough what Unlocked does. 6 cohorts, 600 individuals, almost 40 prisons… it is quite astonishing." pic.twitter.com/fP0l5tpwVa

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) December 8, 2022

Unlocked Graduates participant and prison officer Daniel, and Unlocked Ambassador and Governor Sabrina, also spoke at the event. Highlighting the significant impact of their individual roles in the Prison Service and their journey so far:

“I don’t think I can truly put into words how much this programme means to me without getting emotional. I look back on the day when I completed the assessment centre and getting the call to say I was accepted onto the programme with such happiness and gratitude…"

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) December 8, 2022

”As current participants and as ambassadors, we understand the challenges, the difficulties, we know what works and what needs improving within prisons. Given the knowledge and experiences within the prison, I believe this new strategy will create a catalyst for change.”

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) December 8, 2022

Natasha Porter, CEO and Founder of Unlocked Graduates, launched the new strategy for Unlocked Graduates as well as the 2022 impact report on the day:

“This strategy is ambitious but put bluntly, that’s what the prison system needs and what we believe we are perfectly placed to deliver.”

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) December 8, 2022

The Unlocked Graduates strategy reflects on everything we have learnt over the past five years, and the steps we now need to take to build the prison system we need:

The Unlocked Graduates 2022 Impact Report offers a snapshot of our progress, seeking to set out early impact and tell our story: