Following the success of pilot schemes, HMPS commissioned Twist to design and implement a full leadership development programme for selected prison staff as part of their management training and career development. Completion of the course is recognised in officers’ Staff Professional Development Record.

 

 

 

This practical and hands-on leadership and management course comprised 9 half-day sessions over four months. Some sessions are in the training room while others involve visits to different organisations, from leading businesses to schools and community organisations, to compare and contrast attitudes and procedures. The participants looked for practical answers to common challenges as well as inspiration for new ideas that could be implemented in the prison service, investigating topics including:

• How leaders and managers in other sectors motivate their teams
• Whether pursuit of profit makes organisations more efficient
• How the Prison Service is perceived by others
• How other organisations manage their profile
• How corporate hierarchy affects enterprise and career development 

What are the benefits?

The participants are inspired by the dynamic exchange of ideas with other organisations. Officers see the prison service in a wider context, enabling them to have a more objective view of what works well and what could be improved. On the other side, all the visit hosts have collaborated in the programme from a genuine desire to gain a better understanding of how prisons work. 

 

 

 

 

"This has been very instrumental in adding new ideas and techniques towards my leadership skills."

"My reaction is positive, and I hope I will use what I learnt on a daily basis. I also wish to be part of further training in this area."

"The programme as a whole was very well presented and thought out."