We’re committed to equipping you with the training and development needed to excel in every role you take on during the Future Prison Leaders Programme, and ultimately to prepare you to lead in a prison.
Year 1
Following a two-week induction, you will complete the seven-week residential prison officer foundation training programme at our learning centre in Rugby, Warwickshire. Along with other future leaders who will also be starting out on the leadership programme, you will not only gain insights into leading in a prison but also cover all you need to know to prepare you to work as a prison officer.
This will include:
- how to look after people in custody
- search and security procedures
- use of prison radios and keys
- how to de-escalate challenging situations
- control and restraint techniques
You will be assigned a new colleague mentor who will support you during your prison officer foundation training.
At the end of your first year, you will sit an assessment to progress to the role of custodial manger.
Year 2
In your second year, you will work as a custodial manager, a senior uniformed role.
Custodial managers manage people and resources, often across multiple prison departments.
Year 3
In your third year, you will progress to a head of function role, leading your own department. Prison heads of function are responsible for functions such as security or operations across a prison.
Ongoing development and support
Throughout your time on the programme, you will:
- continuously develop your operational and leadership skills
- be sponsored and supported by a senior operational leader who will mentor and coach you
- support, and be supported by, your peers on the programme, coming together for reflective learning sessions
Becoming a future prison leader
Upon successful completion of the leadership programme, you will be a permanent head of function. You should also have gained the necessary knowledge and experience to take an assessment to see if you are ready to progress to be a deputy governor.
Reporting into a prison’s governing governor, a deputy governor is a senior manager who is accountable for providing leadership and direction, making strategic decisions and managing risks in a prison.