13 January 2006

Prisons in the south-west of England are to introduce improved e-learning facilities into their prisons, thanks to a new £10.7 million contract.

The Learning and Skills Council has signed a four-year contract with Tribal Technology to implement e-learning programmes in 13 prisons and five probation areas.

The deal forms part of the government's prison reform programme that aims to support and educate offenders from "custody to community" and help reduce the re-offending rate by improving the employability of ex-inmates.

"Getting learning into cells, where offenders spend long periods of time, is crucial," Adrian Ladds, business development director for Tribal Technology told the Publictechnology.net website.

"Initiatives such as digital TV and online learning will improve access to courses and increase the amount of time that offenders can spend on education."

The contract will entail 50 staff from the technology company working on three key areas; information, advice and guidance services, e-learning delivery and the management information system.

© Adfero Ltd

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