Leadership Unlocked, a collaboration of SPS's Talent and Leadership Development teams, have won ‘Educator of the Year’ at the 2025 Inspire Justice Awards.
As a team, they have transformed leadership development in the justice sector through a bold, human-centred approach.
In 2019, they identified a growing gap in SPS's middle management capacity. Data showed that short-term fixes wouldn’t be enough—what was needed was a cultural shift.
In response, they launched, Leading with Awareness, an immersive leadership programme designed to empower and transform.
The programme combines workshops, coaching, and peer learning, structured around self, team, and system. It brings together operational and non-operational managers and prioritises experience, personal growth, and collective learning over traditional knowledge delivery.
Facilitators adapt content in real time, modelling authenticity and shared power. They use innovative methods like listening circles, podcasts, action inquiry, emotion check-ins, dialogue walks, and constellations.
This creates a brave space where participants are encouraged to challenge themselves, embrace discomfort, celebrate strengths and diversity, and show up as their full selves.
For those who have participated, they report increased confidence, authenticity, and readiness for leadership. Promotion rates have risen, and more diverse candidates are stepping forward.
Deputy Governors redesigned their national forum to prioritise psychological safety. At HMP Grampian, long-standing workforce challenges were addressed through participation in the programme, resulting in a fully local leadership team for the first time in a decade.
Their work has sparked a cultural shift—moving from command-and-control to relational leadership —and inspired a broader suite of development offerings, including peer learning networks, a collaboration with Glasgow School of Art, and a podcast club for all staff.
The team's influence also extends beyond SPS. In 2024, they welcomed colleagues from the Northern Ireland and Irish Prison Services, forming a tri-nation learning community.
Congratulations to our colleagues in the Leadership Unlocked team!
