Supporting people towards better futures is at the heart of what we seek to do, and the education we offer is a key part of that.
This year, we have delivered a new strategy, Learning for a Better Future, and developed a new contract.
Now, after working successfully with Fife College since 2017, we have procured a new provider, in PeoplePlus Group.
Our strategy is clear that, in our establishments, we have a unique opportunity to support people in a way which does not only benefit them, but their families and communities too.
We know many people in our care have experienced trauma, have negative memories of school, or have suffered brain injuries. We also know that there is a high prevalence of neurodivergence, learning difficulties and disabilities amongst the prison population.
Working alongside PeoplePlus, we will deliver development and learning opportunities to improve people’s life skills and employment prospects.
We will ensure that education accessible to all, so those in our care have the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere of dignity, respect, and compassion.
We want to make sure that parents have the confidence to help their children with their homework, bringing families closer together, reducing the impact of intergenerational trauma, and improving educational prospects for future generations.
We are grateful to Fife College and all the hard work they and their staff, working in our establishments, have put into supporting people.
Having provided educational opportunities in several prisons since the late 1990s, before becoming the first national provider in 2017, the College have made a longstanding contribution to learning and skills within Scotland’s prisons
We now hope to build on this excellent platform with our new strategy and new contract with People Plus to offer more opportunities, brighter futures, and a safer Scotland for all.
Teresa Medhurst, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service said: “The new contract, together with our new strategy marks an important moment in how we use development and learning opportunities to support people in our care to improve their lives and enrich their future prospects.
We are extremely grateful to Fife College and their staff for their outstanding work, and for the support and commitment they have shown to people in our care over the years.
We look forward to working in partnership with PeoplePlus which has a proven track record of delivering educational and employability services in prisons, to support people on their rehabilitative journey, reduce their risk of reoffending and help build safer communities.”
Jim Metcalfe, Fife College Principal, said:
“Fife College is so proud of its longstanding commitment and contribution to learning and skills development within Scotland’s public prisons.
“The College’s dedicated Prison Learning Team has been instrumental in this success over many years, playing a key role in developing a programme that is award-winning and nationally recognised for its quality and impact.
“The passion, professionalism, and commitment of those team members have made a meaningful and lasting difference.”
Kenny Boyle, CEO of PeoplePlus, commented:
“We are delighted to have been awarded this important contract by the Scottish Prison Service. Our expert teams are committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities which support those individuals in custody to develop skills, increase their confidence, and improve their prospects for the future. We look forward to working closely with SPS to make a positive impact.”