The contract has been awarded to IT solutions provider Tribal Technology by the Learning and Skills Council under its Offenders’ Learning and Skills Services scheme.
PublicTechnology reported that over 50 Tribal staff will work directly on the contract, which has three elements: information, advice and guidance services, e-learning delivery and management information system.
According to the journal, the government expects the program to increase offender participation and achievement, thereby improving employability and reducing the chances of re-offending.
Tribal Technology is looking to identify ways in which offenders can have controlled internet access and how learning could be delivered over the internet or digital television. Equipping offenders with IT skills is also expected to increase their chances of enrollment on courses and the amount of time allocated to educating prisoners.
The report explained that all three pilot areas will use Tribal’s management information system, Maytas, to provide an electronic record for every learner, tracking their progress from prison to probation and work.
