UCU calls for an end to private sector involvement in prison education

At a special conference of prison educators, the union urged authorities to end their reliance on private firms and to involve more public sector providers. A recent survey of UCU members working in prison education revealed that four fifths (89 per cent) would rather work for a further education provider than a private firm, and that half (50 per cent) think prisoners receive a poorer standard of education since services were tendered out to private companies.
 
The LSC will decide at this end of this month whether to hand out contracts to private firms or turn to further education colleges.
 
UCU general secretary Sally Hunt, said: 'There needs to be a change of ethos in the way prison education is provided in this country. Turning to the private sector makes it harder to deliver a professional service that works for staff and inmates. Further education colleges should be at the forefront of delivering services, not private companies.'