POLARIS - A Connected Future for Offender Learning
Rhydian Potter
Tuesday 9 October 2007
There is much good work being undertaken in Offender Learning
• There is scarcely any aspect of society which does not require computer literacy.
• Denying me the opportunity to practice skills…might be considered short sighted.
• There is nothing that can not be misused. Cars, knives, computers can all be misused. But they are all part of life and simply need to be managed. Health and safety is not about preventing people using things; it is about finding safe ways to use them.
Source: Letters from prisoners requesting access to IT for learning
No man is a prisoner and nothing else
William Temple
The Current Approach
Education OLASSProvider
Careers Advice
EducationEducation
Job Search
Careers Advice
Job search
OLASSProvider
Prison
Prison
Our objective is to help stakeholders to deliver services more effectively
• A Joined-up offender network that– is a Managed, Secure environment – supports the OLASS Campus Model– is the standard electronic delivery method– complements existing provision– supports Reducing re-offending practitioners
• Current project is a Proof of Concept that– is designed to gain an understanding of the issues– has a limited Scope– will demonstrate that it can be done
The Proposed Approach
Education
OLASSProvider
Job Search
EducationEducation
OtherServices
POLARIS Infrastructure
HousingCareers Advice
OLASSProvider
Prison
Prison
Solution Architecture
Local Area Network (wi-fi)
Service Service Service
Service Provider Service Provider Service Provider
Service Management (Data Centre)
Local Area Network
Prison Establishment
Provides secure access to authorised services only. Manages security and the delivery of services across the estate.
Service routed via Resettlement Services Server
Service routed via Resettlement Services Server
Service routed via Resettlement Services Server
Service
Service Provider
Service routed via Resettlement Services Server
Service
Service Provider
Service routed via Resettlement Services Server
Service
Service Provider
Service routed via Resettlement Services Server
Internet
Internal Services
Training courses or other services to be delivered internallyOffender
Data StoreSite independent private data storage for offenders to save project work
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN RouterVPN Router
Internal Services
WID
File Server File Server
File Server
Printer Printer
VPN Router
PC Servers(Citrix)
Firewall
SecurityServer
Notebook
WID WID Notebook Notebook
Prison Establishment
We are taking a pragmatic approach...
• A National Solution– Availability across the offender management estate– Comprehensive solution (future unknown)– Maximise stakeholder contributions
• With a Focus on Local Needs– Limit need for technical staff in the prisons– Should not put additional burden on education staff– Support not drive the intervention processes– Helps the individual
The Proof of Concept project covers seven London Area Prisons
• HMP Wormwood Scrubs• HMP Holloway• HMP Pentonville• HMP Brixton• HMP/YOI Feltham• HMP Latchmere House• HMP Belmarsh
Current Status
• The proof of concept infrastructure is installed• HMP Wormwood Scrubs is piloting the services• Other prisons are planning their approach• Services for the proof of concept are being delivered by:
– learndirect
– Meganexus
– DWP (Jobcentre Plus)
– Leaf Systems
– Clinks
– Starthere
POLARIS Training Room at HMP Wormwood Scrubs
It’s no use saying “We are doing our best”. You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.
Winston Churchill