Applications are now open for the Future Prison Leaders Programme - a three-year programme to recruit up to 35 talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to help shape the future of the prison service.
Carol Angel, aged 48, is now the Deputy at HMP Styal but left university with a zoology degree and was a professional singer for 10 years entertaining in clubs, theatres and on cruise ships.
Carol says:
"I was self-employed for years as a singer and as a personal trainer but I wanted some structure and a place to progress and have found both in the prison service.
“The leadership programme I did gave me the opportunity to progress quickly and experience different types of roles and prisons, allowing me to succeed in the prison service. There are no two ways about it – if I hadn't done the scheme, I wouldn't be sitting where I am now.
“When I first started it was daunting, and progressing to quite a senior level so quickly was a challenge. As long as you’re resilient and eager to learn, it is a leadership role that is incredibly challenging and gives you the opportunity to make a difference to people in custody while impacting the wider community.
“There isn’t a job quite like being a prison officer. I was a cabaret singer, as far from the service as you can get, who did summer seasons in Devon and Cornwall and within a few years I was head of a department in a large prison.
“I progressed because I was driven and proactive and that is who should be joining the service.”
His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is offering a clear career pathway leading 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.
Successful candidates will serve as prison officers learning the full range of operational duties on the wings. Before progressing to 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, responsible for hundreds of staff and prisoners, depending on the prison you work in.
Phil Copple, Interim Director General Chief Executive of HMPPS, says:
“Having the right people to lead our prison service is critical to our mission to protect the public and reduce reoffending.
“I began my career on a similar leadership programme. I gained the experience and skills I needed to develop. Learning to manage and lead in the prison service was challenging but hugely rewarding.
“If you believe you could commit yourself to the vital work of this special public service, then I urge you to apply!”
Applicants must have either a degree or people management experience. If you apply via the people management experience route, you will need to evidence that you have managed the performance of individuals at work. You need to be able to motivate staff and lead from the front, have great communication skills, be analytical, make decisions and have the ability to think on your feet.
Key features of the programme include bespoke learning and development, a clear progression pathway to senior leadership, operational experience, line management responsibilities and a competitive starting salary and benefits.
The minimum starting salary for successful candidates will be between £32,448 and £42,762 in the first year, depending on the prison location and working hours (37-41 hours). In the second year, the salary will increase to £41,712-£47,263, and in the third year, it will range from £60,364-£66,180.
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.
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? For more information and to apply, go to Prison and Probation Jobs