UCU prison educators: unlocking futures

25 June 2024

Prison education is in crisis. The funding model does not work. There are big recruitment and retention problems. Prison educators change lives and deserve better pay and conditions. UCU is demanding major changes.

UCU IS CALLING FOR

a comprehensive review of the current operation of the Prison Education Framework (PEF) and the prison education curriculum before the Prison Education Service (PES) contract is rolled out.
UCU to be consulted by the MoJ on this and other prison education matters.
a prison education service that is overseen by the DfE as a national prison education service and on a not-for-profit basis.
a comprehensive review of the recommendations from the Coates review in order to inform these current proposals.
the implementation of the Joint Unions in Prison Alliance recommendations [129kb] for safer prisons.
a national contract for prison education staff and professional respect and parity of esteem with FE.
HM Treasury to confirm the application of Fair New Deal for pensions as a matter of urgency.

Click here to find out more about our work for prison education staff

Take action - write to your MP

We are asking prison education members that work for either Novus, Milton Keynes College or Weston College to write to their local MPs and ask for their support in backing the New Fair Deal on Pensions for prison educators.

We believe that now further education colleges have been reclassified as part of the public sector, members' pensions should be protected under the New Fair Deal on Pensions in any change of provider such as when the new Prison Education Service contracts come into effect.

We've provided a draft letter here [16kb] which will need slightly amending so its relevant to your circumstances. You can use this link to find the email address of your MP: Find your MP - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament