Digital education in the prison service
The Prison Education Service (PES) Programme aimed to develop a secure, standardised digital learning platform for learners and educators in 103 prisons across England and Wales.- Triad was tasked with deploying modern digital infrastructure, including secure Wi-Fi and managed end-user devices, tailored for secure learning.
- We also had to introduce a Print Management Service to support educational workflows.
- We were given nine months to complete this programme.
- 1
We operated in a highly regulated environment with stringent security protocols. Each site offered different logistical challenges. None were designed to host wi-fi or accommodate computers. - 2We worked closely with the MOJ/HMPPS Senior Leadership Team to create bespoke delivery plans, tailoring the operational, technical, and security needs for each establishment.
- We established a standardised digital framework across the prison system.
- 103 prison networks were commissioned, creating a consistent, secure national infrastructure to support prison education and future digital services.
- Prisoners now enjoy safe and secure access to digital education, enhancing their rehabilitation.
- 161 multi-functional devices (MFD’s) were integrated with Universal Print, a Cloud-based print solution, designed to deliver a reliable, centrally controlled print environment across the prison estate.
- Over 7,400 PES devices were deployed, providing modern, secure, fully managed devices that expanded digital access for learners and teaching staff.
Their story
Because of this programme, inmates now have access to online learning
facilities. And HMPPS has a scalable technical platform to support longterm
digital transformation.
Despite varied infrastructure and strict access constraints, we delivered
fully compliant, secure WI-FI network across all prison categories.
The prisons ranged from Category A, high-security environments,
to Category D, open establishments. We created a bespoke plan to
accommodate each site’s unique security and governance requirements,
while operating in restricted areas with prisoners.
Large volumes of fully configured devices were deployed into secure
operational environments with strict chain-of-custody processes. These
modern, secure desktop computers significantly increased digital access
for learners and teachers. We also oversaw the controlled removal and
disposal of legacy hardware and software.
We replaced a fragmented legacy print estate with a unified, centrally
managed solution. Each device met Universal Print security standards
and performance requirements. This has improved reliability, reduced
local maintenance effort and strengthened visibility and control over
print usage.
We introduced a nationally standardised managed print service. This
provided a consistent user experience and reliable access to printing
across education, directly supporting teachers with activities, planning,
and education delivery.
"This represents a herculean effort to achieve what many stakeholders’ thought was
impossible. The new services are improving the quality of education for prisoners and
reducing costs to HMPPS. I hope that those involved are already rightly proud of what
they’ve achieved and aware of the difference that it has and will continue to make.”
