Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending (2025)

UCU's response to the UK Parliament's Justice Committee Inquiry into 'Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending'.

One of the most challenging features of prison education is linked to the funding model that originates through Government commissioning arrangements. This commissioning model has diverted resources away from the development, design and delivery of truly meaningful education. The process of commissioning education for profit in prisons has created a fragmented, often-ignored workforce who face many challenges, including the erosion of terms and conditions, a lack of career progression and diminishing professional autonomy.

UCU's strategic ambition is for a stable and effectively resourced prison education system that supports prison educators to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum to students in prison. Ultimately, this vision will ensure the best outcomes for students, society, and the economy.

Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending: UCU inquiry response [152kb]