Ministers must put education at the heart of prison reform, says union

Education is the key to reducing reoffending and ministers must ensure it is at the heart of prison reform, the University and College Union (UCU) said today (Thursday).

Speaking as the prisons and courts bill, that would enshrine into law that a key purpose of prisons was to reform and rehabilitate offenders is published, UCU said that prisoners needed to have access to a broad range of courses and be given greater incentives to engage in learning.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: ‘We know that there is a clear link between increasing skills and reducing reoffending, and this bill is a real chance to put education at the heart of the prison system. 

‘Prison educators need a strong voice at the top of prison management, working closely with governors to ensure that learning remains a priority within each prison, and that there is a broad and balanced curriculum available.’