Prison officer recruitment numbers record high

Government is on track to hit its target of 2,500 new officers by 2018 as part of commitment to improve safety across the prison estate. New figures released by Justice Secretary David Lidington shows that from January 2017 there has been a net increase of 868 new prison officers helping staff in prisons to turn them into places of safety and reform. In addition, a further 738 employment offers have been made to potential recruits who are expected to start after June next year. The new officers will boost the frontline and put the government on track to meet its target of 2,500 new officers by 2018. The new officers will be responsible for supervising six offenders, providing prisoners the challenge they need to change their behaviours and support them to change their lives. The new figures come as more than 600 top graduates and career changes applied for just 40 places through Unlocked Graduates, a new independent charity. Thousands more registered their interest. The 40 recruits have already started work at prisons around London under supervision of some of the most experienced prison officers. This recruitment drive forms part of the Secretary of State’s prison reform agenda, where governors are being given more flexibility over their local recruitment and are encouraged to engage with new schemes and initiatives to attract the best talent. David Lidington, Justice Secretary, said: “I am delighted to welcome the new prison officers who join thousands of dedicated and hard-working staff undertaking important work to keep our prisons and the public safe. “These record numbers show our recruitment efforts are working. It is encouraging to see that we are on track to meet our target of an additional 2,500 new prison officers by December 2018, with the numbers joining the service still rising. “Boosting the frontline is critical to achieving safety regimes and I am committed to building on these figures.” Natasha Porter, CEO of Unlocked Graduates, said: “Many people did not believe that the role of the prison officer could ever appeal to graduates. “The overwhelming interest in our programme shows an incredible desire from graduates to tackle one of the major social challenges of our time and provide the skills that will equip you for many future careers. “We are particularly pleased that our first graduates will so visibly challenge the misconception that prison officers are older, white men.”