Pictured above - the first 12 students with their
trainers
The University of Northampton's School of Social Sciences is
working with G4S, the world's leading international security
solutions group, to deliver the first national CPD (continuing
professional development) programme linked to a Foundation Degree
(FdA) in Offender Management.
A cohort of 12 students of staff members from Rye Hill Prison,
Willoughby, have recently started the bespoke programme, developed
for them from modules in the University's Foundation Degree in
Offender Management.
Denise Meylan, Senior Lecturer and Probation Consultant, School
of Social Sciences, commented:
"Rye Hill Prison, part of G4S, are actively supportive of the
Foundation Degree and have commissioned specific continuous
professional development awards which emanate from the FdA but have
been tailored to meet the operational demands of the prison
setting.
"Their staff will be the first in the country to undertake such
tailored modules and we are confident that this opportunity will
meet their goals of providing excellent development for their staff
and opening the doors to academic life long learning."
Cathy James, Director of HMP Rye Hill, added: "We are very
excited about working with The University of Northampton on this
project. We are proud of the attitude and commitment of our staff
and believe that they deserve the first class input we receive from
the University. This partnership will give us the most professional
staff group in any prison anywhere."
The University's Foundation Degree in Offender Management runs
from academic year 2009/10. The School of Social Sciences has
developed the new award in conjunction with criminal justice
colleagues to assist in providing students with the skills that are
desired by employers in the sector. The award is unique as it
effectively combines the theory needed to work efficiently with
offenders and offers both a placement period and shadowing
opportunities to prepare students for the 'real world'.
For further information on bespoke courses or the Foundation
Degree in Offender Management, please contact The University of
Northampton on 0800 358 2232, email: study@northampton.ac.uk