Prisoners to be taught to use computers with share of £12.8m funds

REGION’S INMATES TO BE GIVEN SKILLS TRAINING TO HELP THEM AFTER

PRISONERS in the region will be benefitting from a multi-millionpound national scheme which looks to improve inmates’ computer skills.

Both HMP Hull and HMP Humber prisons are to receive a slice of £12.8m funding from company Novus as part of the project which the Government hopes will boost their employment skills on the outside – breaking the cycle of crime.

The money, which comes from a non-profit organisation, will go towards improving IT infrastructure at the prisons and teaching inmates the skills required to get jobs upon their release.

It is thought the cycle of ex-prisoners reoffending costs society around £15bn a year.

Novus said the project would help reduce the “digital deficit” among many prisoners, and help them keep up with the pace of the digital world while on the inside.

Peter Cox, the company’s managing director, said: “A digital deficit has always existed for people in prisons, but by providing our learners with access to the latest secure software we are helping to reduce the deficit and develop their essential digital skills, which will support them to find employment and access services in the community as they build a positive future.

“Practically speaking, this investment will enable ex-offenders to be able to navigate the outside world more easily, source and apply for jobs, and enable them to fully integrate back into society.”

One of the IT tutors at HMP Humber said prisoners there were already using the new software to “catch up” with the outside world’s moving technology.

“In a nutshell, this means as soon as a learner is transferred to us we can quickly set them up to continue with their education journey,” said the man, who did not want to be named.

“The new account management software means we now have a more efficient system in place to log the education plans and pathways for learners that will follow them if they move between establishments through to release.”

He added: “For learners, this means our team are prepared to offer them the right support from the minute they join us, with minimum disruption.

“From a teaching perspective the updated technology also means learners are working on technology that is equivalent to what they will use in the outside world, making the transition into education or work on their release easier and giving them the confidence to apply for the opportunities that are available.”