Unlocked Graduates

27/06/2025

💬 "They're beginning to build that culture where everybody does what's right rather than what's easy"

In September last year, we launched the Unlocked ChangeMakers programme, and our first cohort of custodial managers are already having a real impact in their prisons, applying the tools that they have developed on the programme to lead positive change on the frontline, ultimately improving outcomes for prisoners and helping to break cycles of reoffending.

Unlocked's CEO and Founder Natasha Porter OBE and Associate Director of Middle Leadership Samantha Farr spoke to us earlier this year about the ChangeMakers programme and the impact it is having, highlighting how our experience of training outstanding prison officers on our award-winning graduate programme means that we are uniquely positioned to address the lack of development opportunities and training for middle leaders in prisons.

The Unlocked ChangeMakers programme is building a network of mission-aligned custodial managers who are driving rehabilitative change in their prisons and supporting prison officers to have the greatest possible impact. Find out more: https://unlockedgrads.org.uk/about-us/changemakers/

29/04/2025

We are excited to introduce Unlocked ChangeMakers, our new middle leadership development programme for custodial managers.

This pilot programme aims to transform the quality of middle leadership in the prison service, providing custodial managers with the tools required to be inspirational leaders, drive rehabilitative change and break cycles of reoffending.

Find out more:

In September last year, Unlocked Graduates launched ChangeMakers, our new middle leadership development programme to transform the quality of middle leadership in prisons. This programme will provide custodial managers (“CMs”) with the tools required to lead culture change and drive rehabilitati...

05/03/2025

2024 was a milestone year for Unlocked Graduates, with record-breaking outcomes for our graduate leadership development programme.

We welcomed our largest ever cohort of future prison leaders to lead change on the landings. Our participants and Ambassadors have now reached over 125,000 prisoners in prisons across England and Wales. They are having a real impact on the landings, driving system reform and helping to break cycles of reoffending.

Find out more:

Last month, we celebrated the launch of Unlocked’s 2024-2025 Impact Report at an event in the House of Lords. We were delighted to be joined by so many of the people who have made the last year a milestone one for Unlocked, not least our participants and Ambassadors, funders and corporate partners...

09/01/2025

New year, same mission - to inspire, recruit and train the next generation of leaders to be outstanding prison officers, helping to break cycles of reoffending in prison and throughout society.

Listen to Unlocked Graduates’ CEO and Founder Natasha Porter OBE explain our unique approach to prison officer recruitment and training on our award-winning, two-year leadership development programme.

18/10/2024

Congratulations to our 2022 cohort who graduated from the Unlocked programme yesterday! It was great to see so many of their family members, friends and colleagues at our graduation ceremony in London to celebrate their fantastic achievements over the past two years.

We heard some inspiring speeches from members of the 2022 cohort about their experiences as prison officers, as well as messages from the Unlocked team, prison service leaders and Professor Danielle McDermott from Leeds Trinity University.

"Looking to the class of 2022, we are so proud of each and every one of you and of all you have achieved." - Natasha Porter OBE, CEO and Founder of Unlocked Graduates.

The 2022 cohort will now join our Ambassador Network, and we look forward to seeing the work they do in the future to help break cycles of reoffending in prison and throughout society.

06/06/2024

Are you a university student looking to boost your CV? We're looking for Brand Ambassadors to support us on our mission of breaking cycles of reoffending and supporting people who lacked opportunities earlier in life. Find out how you can make the difference on your campus: https://unlockedgrads.org.uk/vacancy/brand-ambassadors/

03/06/2024

*Deadline extended to Monday 10th June*

Looking for your next career challenge? Due to an internal promotion, we're looking for an expert in project management to lead our brilliant delivery team. This high-impact role is a fixed-term contract with the possibility to extend.

Don't miss out on your opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

https://unlockedgrads.org.uk/vacancy/head-of-delivery-3/

14/05/2024

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are proud to see our participants continue to support prisoners’ mental wellbeing. Unlocked participant, Erin, was recognised with an HMPPS Wales Prison Officer of the Year Award following a nomination from a prisoner.

Unlocked Graduates is proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who make a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of others.

09/05/2024

"The first step is seeing resettlement as a journey, not just release."

Criminological research breakthroughs mean that we are now much clearer about what stops people offending when they leave prison – and how practice can support this.

Professor Neal Hazel took us through the importance of developing 'pro-social identity', and the ways we can build constructive resettlement into youth justice, adult prisons and beyond!

25/04/2024

“The Victorian history of Wormwood Scrubs weighs very heavily, but the culture continues to change every day in small but important ways.”

We had the privilege of hearing from Governing Governor of HMP Wormwood Scrubs, Amy Frost, at this year's .

Amy provided insights into her experiences of pushing for culture change in challenging environments, and the importance of those small but impactful wins.

Hear more expert insights in our blog ➡️ https://unlockedgrads.org.uk/news-item/impact-conference-2024-culture-challenge-and-change/

24/04/2024

We're seeking a Training Consultant to join Unlocked Graduates!

In this role, you'll play key part in shaping the development of future prison officers. You'll do this by supporting experienced professionals in the criminal justice system as they deliver training to our new cohort of Unlocked Graduates participants.

Here's what you'll do:
1) Observe and provide targeted feedback to Mentoring Prison Officers (MPOs) and Summer Trainers.
2) Lead facilitation training and induction for trainers.
3) Work with our Head of Curriculum to ensure training excellence.
4) Contribute to the evaluation of training sessions.

Apply by 5th May! Find out more below ➡️

About Unlocked 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 reoffen...

22/04/2024

"For prisoners who may struggle with addiction, it’s often bought on by stress and anxiety, and yoga has been proven to support relaxation."

A prison officer at HMP Bullingdon is doing fantastic work leading yoga sessions to improve well-being and prevent reoffending. Matt's classes invite both staff and prisoners to exercise together, and have created a calmer environment in the prison:

"I go home knowing that I have tried to help change people's lives in some way... Although it's not easy work, it's unbelievably rewarding."

Read the full article: https://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/24237946.hmp-bullingdon-prison-officer-using-yoga-cut-reoffending/

A former retail store manager turned prison officer is teaching yoga to prevent reoffending.