About

Future Prison Leaders Programme

There’s being a leader. Then there’s leading in a prison.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is here to carry out sentences given by the courts. We’re responsible for running prison and probation services in England and Wales. Our staff come from all walks of life and perform a wide range of roles in prisons and the community.

An extraordinary job

Being a prison leader is an extraordinary job, and it can be done by someone like you. If you have an ambition to lead where it matters, we’re looking for future prison leaders to join our three-year leadership programme.

If the idea of leading teams through challenging situations while focusing on rehabilitation, protecting lives and maintaining security makes you tick, the Future Prison Leaders Programme is for you.

This leadership programme like no other will see you fast-track your way from prison officer to a senior leader running your own prison department in just 3 years. With a comprehensive training programme and clear progression path, you will gain first-hand experience of working in a variety of roles and prisons to give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to be a future prison leader.

Someone like you

As a prison leader, you’re all about keeping the number of re-offending prisoners down. But your Key Performance Indicators are more than just numbers: they’re about protecting the public, promoting rehabilitation, and maintaining security. And you lead and support your team to create the culture the prison operates within.

It’s not a job that can be done by everyone. But we’re not looking for everyone. We want people who don’t shy away from the realities of prison life but embrace them. Who are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of prisoners and the public. The ones who want to lead where it matters the most.

To apply you: must be at least 18 years old when you start your new role.

You must have:

People management experience or a degree (or Level 6 qualification) at the time of application. If you are coming to the end of a degree/level 6 qualification when applying, you must be able to provide evidence of it before your contract of employment is issued (by 10 November 2025).

You must also:

• have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service
• pass a minimum fitness test and medical assessment
• be able to secure security clearance at Counter Terrorism Level (CTC)

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: On the road

Reference ID: 5896