Summer Institute marks the start of the Unlocked Graduates programme. This intensive, five-week residential training programme will prepare you for day-one on the job. It will give you the skills required to be an excellent prison officer and lead rehabilitative change on the landings.
The Unlocked Programme
Unlocked’s award-winning, two-year leadership development programme is recognised across the UK and internationally for the impact it is having. Our unique training and support model ensures you are able to gain outstanding leadership skills while making a real difference to people’s lives in prison.
The Unlocked programme begins with Summer Institute, a bespoke, five-week residential training course designed to prepare you for your new role. You will then continue to receive training and have development opportunities across the two years of the programme with ongoing support from our team of experienced Mentoring Prison Officers.
As part of the programme, you will also undertake a fully-funded master’s degree (MSc) in Applied Custodial Leadership awarded by our academic partner, Leeds Trinity University. This will offer you the opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day and gain a deeper understanding of the theory behind driving system change on the frontline.
Year 1
Summer Institute
Fully-Funded Master’s Degree
As part of the Unlocked programme, you will complete a fully-funded master’s degree (MSc) in Applied Custodial Leadership which is awarded by our academic partner, Leeds Trinity University. You will have the opportunity to explore some of your professional interests in an academic setting.
Mentoring and Coaching
At Summer Institute, you will meet your Mentoring Prison Officer (MPO). MPOs are experienced prison officers who will help you adjust to your new role and offer ongoing training, support and coaching throughout your two years on the Unlocked programme.
Annual Conference
The Unlocked Conference is a highlight in the calendar every year. It brings together frontline staff and leading experts from across the criminal justice system in the UK and internationally. Places at our conference are incredibly sought after, and participants in their first year on the Unlocked programme are guaranteed access as a core part of our leadership development programme.
The Unlocked Programme
Year 2
Returners’ Week
At the start of your second year on the Unlocked programme, you will return to Summer Institute for a further week of training with the rest of your cohort. You will work alongside your Mentoring Prison Officer and our expert trainers and have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences during the first year of the programme and identify how you can progress and continue to drive system reform.
Work Placement
In your second year on the Unlocked Graduates programme, you will be released from your duties to complete a two-week work placement with one of our partner organisations. This will give you the opportunity to learn from different organisations and apply your frontline knowledge in a new setting.
Research Project
As part of your fully funded master’s degree, you will have the opportunity to complete a research project based on your professional interests.
Graduation and the Future
After completing the Unlocked Graduates programme, you will automatically become a part of the Unlocked Ambassador Network. You will continue to have access to events and the Unlocked community in your work towards our mission to break cycles of reoffending.
Is it for you?
Next
The Benefits