HM Prison and Probation Service has launched a fast-track programme to recruit and train prison leaders of the future.
HMPPS is searching for 35 talented individuals from diverse backgrounds for the first intake of the new three-year Future Prison Leaders Programme.
The selected few will start out on the frontline as prison officers, and be fast-tracked to become a senior leader running their own prison department in year three.
The salary on offer is as follows:
- For inner London prisons, the initial salary will be £47,263, rising to £66,180 in year three
- For outer London prisons, a starting salary of £45,362 is on offer, rising to £64,188 in year three
- For prisons in other locations, the salary will start at £41,712, rising to £60,364 in year three
Applicants will need a degree or Level 6 equivalent, or people management experience, and will 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 their feet, the job advert says.
HMPPS said the programme "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,” it added.
James Timpson, minister for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, said: “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 begin 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 of the programme, participants should also have gained the necessary knowledge and experience to take an assessment to see if they are ready to progress to be a deputy governor, the job advert says.
Jenifer McKechnie, 43, is deputy governor of HMP Leicester, having joined a fast-track governor scheme in 2018.
Speaking about her experience, she said: "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.”
Commenting on the Future Prison Leaders Programme, she added: “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."