Mentoring Prison Officer (North)

The deadline for this vacancy has passed.

Unlocked Graduates exists to break cycles of reoffending, with particular focus on breaking the link between disadvantage and reoffending.

Currently prison is not a place which successfully does this: the average prisoner has 16 previous convictions and 48 percent of prisoners reoffend within a year of release. This is the problem which Unlocked Graduates exists to fix.

Mentoring Prison Officers (MPOs) are one of the most important aspects of the Unlocked Graduates’ programme. You’ll typically work with 20-25 new officers in two or three prisons, spending one or two days a week in each establishment. You will support groups of participants from day one of their training until the end of their two years, coaching them on everything from prison procedures to career opportunities. You remain an operational member of staff however, you will not carry out operational duties as part of the MPO role.

You will run regular bespoke training, fortnightly group supervisions and fortnightly 1-to-1 coaching/mentoring sessions with the participants over four days in a typical week. These take place within their establishments, helping to develop them into exceptional prison officers and leaders. You’ll record and monitor their progress, working with managers and governors in the prisons to get a full picture of your graduates’ performance. Other MPOs and your line manager will support your decision-making and planning.

We prioritise your professional development. One day a week is spent with your line manager and MPO team receiving training which includes working towards a coaching qualification (Level 5 equivalent), adult facilitation training, group supervision, updates from Head Office staff on the programme and its developments; and external training opportunities (for example Mental Health First Aid).

At Summer Institute (our version of initial prison officer training), you will work closely with Trainer Expert Advisors from Learning & Development to support your groups, delivering training alongside them. Previous experience of facilitation is not required but be ready to develop as trainers during your induction period. Participants build strong relationships with you during Summer Institute, and highly value the practical experience you can convey to them.

You will not be required to work nights or weekends as part of the MPO role. Your pay will not be affected by this.