1. Digital Webinar: Digital Education Provision in Prisons
15th November 2017, 2pm – 3pm

2. Summary of the current position
Virtual Campus (VC) allows for virtual learning to be undertaken –
including access to a range of content, including Open University
content, white listed web access and supervised to
supervisors.
VC is available in the vast majority of prisons.
In the context of the roll out of digital prisons, and the new
procurement, we are considering the best approach to enable
greater virtual learning in the future.

3. Summary of the digital prisons programme
Objectives
To deliver capabilities that enable prisoners to take on the work that is currently done by Prison Officers, freeing their time up from very manual and frustrating jobs
To enhance the role of Prison Officers by giving them tools to do their jobs more effectively
To provide greater opportunities for rehabilitation
The programme has two main parts:
Progress to date:
1. Infrastructure & Cabling Programme
2. Deployment of Digital capabilities
Networking
Wi-Fi
Cabling
In-cell telephones with lower tariffs enable prisoners to maintain greater contact with their family and friends. This offers a legitimate route for prisoners, and is an important part of the Devices strategy (servicing demand).
Live in 7 prisons; further 14 to be implemented by spring 2018
Prisoners with greater family contact and access to self service, reducing burden on Officers
Prisoner information more accessible through portable devices for prison officers
Calls at all sites are more affordable
Meal ordering to be automated removing manual work and reducing wastage
Prisoners book their own visits, order their meals, book appointments (GPs, dentist, etc.), organise gym visits.
Reducing Prison Officers workload and allowing them to spend more time on wings making prisons safer and supporting prisoners by giving them access to prisoner information on a portable device.
A range of prison services can be offered digitally in cell, such as Education and Offender Management.

4. Digital potential Efficiency in education administration
Widen the reach of education – prisoners in employment, segregated and vulnerable prisoners, higher and niche education.
‘Normalise’ the education offer– bring in line with the community.
Increase the quality of education through blended learning.
Blended learning – not just ICT but also English and maths.

5. Discussion points Information
What information do you need in the ITT as potential suppliers to develop/demonstrate digital potential in prison education?
Development
What is your view on co-financing digital development or taking part in gain share?
Financial
How do you see the costs of digital delivery being reflected in prices and delivery - in the context of a changing landscape described?

6. Questions & Answers