Launching Unlocked Graduates’ 2022 Cohort

#Saturday was an exciting day as we welcomed the new Unlocked 2022 cohort at the Unlocked Graduates’ 2022 Cohort Launch Event!

This was the first year since 2019 that Unlocked was able to run this event in person. The new cohort gathered to meet their fellow participants, learn more about the programme and hear from key speakers.

Ready to welcome the new Unlocked 2022 cohort today. The first in person cohort launch since 2019! pic.twitter.com/Ad0AbhXENh

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) April 9, 2022

Amy Frost, Governor of HMP Wormwood Scrubs kicked off the event. Discussing her career working in prisons, and the importance of the Prison Officer’s role in a prisoner’s journey.

“I go to work today with exactly the same energy and passion that I had on day one. It is a privilege to work in this space”

Great to have @HMPWScrubs Governor Amy Frost here today to talk to the new cohort of Unlocked participants. #UnlockedCohortLaunch2022 pic.twitter.com/ikHr4p1JdC

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) April 9, 2022

Libby Gray, our Programme Director outlined the structure of the Unlocked Graduates programme and its mission. Followed by Samantha Farr, Unlocked Head of Delivery, who discussed the first steps of the Unlocked participant’s journey at this year’s Summer Institute starting this July.

“Our key stakeholders are people in prison. They are the most important people in this whole programme.”

– Libby Gray, Unlocked Programme Director#UnlockedCohortLaunch2022 pic.twitter.com/2jMozEgzxB

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) April 9, 2022

Unlocked Ambassador and Mentoring Prison Officer, Phoebe Light, sat down with 2020 participant Dan, and Unlocked Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Khadija Lewis, to chat about the Mentoring Prison Officer role and the valuable insights and support that MPOs provide participants who are working on the frontline in prisons.

“There’s no issue when speaking with your MPO about anything. They’re there to help you and so valuable.”

– Dan, 2020 Unlocked participant

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) April 9, 2022

The next session brought together ex-prisoner Femi and prison officer John to discuss the power of the prisoner-prison officer relationship. To hear more from Femi and John access the Unlocked youtube here: Ex-prisoner and Prison Officer insights

“There’s a lot that goes into being a good prison officer. But investment into the relationship and the person goes the furthest distance.”

Great to have John and Femi here discussing the power of the prisoner-prison officer relationship. pic.twitter.com/SF5jIwmaLT

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) April 9, 2022

The final session of the day brought together a panel of Unlocked participants from the 2020 cohort, Georgia, Beth and Jacob, who talked about their experiences working in prisons and their time on the Unlocked programme.

“Opportunities to make change aren’t always granted to you in prison, often you have to seek them out yourself. But when they come there’s a lot of wins and chances to make change.”

Fantastic to have Jacob, Georgia and Beth here discussing their time on the programme. pic.twitter.com/ruVJmzR1cF

— Unlocked Graduates (@unlockedgrads) April 9, 2022

Thank you to everyone who attended for making the day so special. We look forward to welcoming the 2022 cohort to the Unlocked programme this summer at our Summer Institute!