Leeds Trinity University welcomes Unlocked Graduates’ largest cohort of new prison officers

Leeds Trinity University has welcomed Unlocked Graduates’ largest ever cohort of prison officers who have started their training at its Main Campus in Horsforth.

Unlocked’s Summer Institute marks the beginning of the award-winning, two-year Unlocked Graduates leadership development programme, which is creating the next generation of leaders in prisons and throughout society to break cycles of reoffending.

There were over 40 applicants per place this year, and more than 140 graduates and career changers started Summer Institute on Monday 29 July. The new recruits will work full time in prisons across the country and study part time for a masters degree in Applied Custodial Leadership with the University.

Summer Institute is an intensive five-week residential training programme, taking place at Leeds Trinity’s Main Campus, during which the participants will be trained onsite before they take up their posts as prison officers after completing their training.

Leeds Trinity University’s facilities offer a practical and innovative approach to teaching. This includes the establishment of cell doors on campus enabling participants to practise cell locking ahead of their frontline roles, in addition to cell searching and wider training.

Summer Institute also marks the start of the participants’ fully funded masters degree. The MSc is designed in conjunction with Unlocked and Leeds Trinity colleagues including Dr Danielle McDermott, Professor of Custodial Practice and Head of Prisons and Custody, who has over 20 years' experience working in higher education and the Prison Service. Unlocked has partnered with Leeds Trinity since 2020 to deliver the masters as part of its programme.

Professor Danielle McDermott, Academic Lead for Unlocked Graduates at Leeds Trinity University, said: “The course is innovative and practical, providing students with specialist knowledge, advanced understanding of the prison environment, and the skills and expertise to change attitudes and perceptions.

“Since the Unlocked Graduates programme launched, nearly 900 new prison officers have been placed in prisons across England and Wales. I am excited to work with the new recruits supporting them with their training and MSc.”

Natasha Porter OBE, CEO and founder of Unlocked Graduates, said: “We are delighted to see Unlocked’s largest ever cohort start their training at Leeds Trinity University’s Main Campus in Horsforth. Summer Institute will give them the skills they need to drive rehabilitative change in some of the most challenging prisons in the country in order to break cycles of reoffending. Our expert trainers and bespoke curriculum will ensure participants have the support and expertise they need to become excellent prison officers while developing outstanding leadership skills and beginning their fully funded masters degree in partnership with Leeds Trinity.”