Have you got what it takes? Dynamic and talented people wanted to lead our prisons, as exclusive leadership programme launches

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has today launched the Future Prison Leaders Programme to recruit and train the next generation of prison leaders.

The three-year programme aims to recruit 35 talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to help shape the future of the prison service. It offers a clear career pathway to a senior leadership position in prisons. But only the best will make the final cohort if they can negotiate a selection process that’ll be as tough as the role itself. 

If you can make it through, you’ll have the unique chance to shape the future of our prisons, lead with vision and play a key role in revolutionizing rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. 

Lord Timpson OBE, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, says:  

This is a leadership role like no other and we’re looking for the best people to create the next generation of leaders to transform our prison system.   

Prison staff play a vital role in keeping the public safe and helping us to reduce reoffending. This critical work means it is vital that we find extraordinary, resilient individuals who want to join a challenging but rewarding working environment and make a difference.

Successful candidates will serve as Prison Officers learning the full range of operational duties on the wings, before progressing to a Custodial Manager in year two, when they’ll manage a team of Prison Officers, and then a Head of Function management role in year three, taking responsibility across a whole prison in areas such as security, operations, drug strategy, residency and staffing. 

Upon completion, participants will be prepared to undertake assessments to become a Deputy Governor, a senior manager accountable for providing leadership and direction, making strategic decisions and managing risks in a prison. 

Jenifer McKechnie, 43, is Deputy Governor of HMP Leicester. She successfully joined a fast-track governor scheme in 2018. A mother of three, Jenifer balances her career with a busy home life. She is keen to progress to a governor role. 

She says:  

The fast-track scheme gave me an opportunity to develop my leadership skills while gaining real-world experience, and despite the challenges, it’s been an incredible journey that has opened doors I never thought possible. 

The skills I’ve gained, the network I’ve built, and the experiences I’ve had mean that I can go as far as I want. Whether it’s becoming a Governing Governor or taking on even bigger roles in the future, I know that the only barrier is how far I am willing to go. 

If you are determined, resilient, and passionate about making a difference, I would encourage anyone to apply. The support and opportunities available are second to none.

To apply, you need people management experience or a degree. You need to be able to motivate staff and lead from the front, have great communication skills, to be analytical, make decisions and have the ability to think on your feet. 

Key features of the comprehensive training programme include a clear progression pathway to senior leadership, operational experience, line management responsibilities all supported by senior operational leaders.

If you’re motivated by a desire to make an impact and be recognised for hard work; want a career that offers growth, development, and the opportunity to contribute to society and an interest in the criminal justice system, then we want to hear from you.   

Having the right people to lead our prison service is vital if we want to protect the public and reduce reoffending through rehabilitation. If you have the integrity, skills and strength of character we’re looking for then this could be the start of a successful career. 

There’s leadership. Then there’s setting the culture for prison staff to live by. Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be a prison leader of the future? If so, we want to hear from you. For more information, register your interest at Prison and Probation Jobs. 

Further information

Someone like you 

Being a prison leader is an extraordinary job, and it can be done by someone like you. If you have the potential to lead and want to pursue it, while making a difference to society by reducing reoffending, promoting rehabilitation, maintaining security and protecting the public, this leadership scheme is for you. 

The Future Prison Leaders Programme will see you fast-track your way from Prison Officer to a Senior Leader running your own prison department in just three years. With a dedicated training programme and clear progression path, you will gain first-hand experience of working in a variety of roles and prisons to give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to be a future prison leader. Your first year will see you on the frontline as a Prison Officer. This is where you will learn the realities of working on the ground and building positive and meaningful relationships with prisoners. With thorough training, you will progress into leadership roles in years two and three. 

Become a prison leader – an extraordinary job. Done by someone like you. 

• You’ll need a degree or people management experience
• Benefit from a three-year accelerated leadership programme
• Gain first-hand experience of prison roles and environments to prepare you to lead in a prison
• A bespoke training programme and progression path

To find out more, go to Prison and Probation Jobs.