Update and Restart: Post-pandemic prison digitisation in England and Wales

By Prison Reform Trust

Most prisons now offer virtual methods for staying in touch with loved ones, along with expanded provision in self-service, health, wellbeing, and education. This report is based on conversations with prisoners, staff, leaders, service providers, and academic experts, as well as prison visits. It highlights the growing digital culture in prisons and the importance of user experience and human factors in shaping digitisation. Progress has been made in five key areas: family contact, self-services, health and wellbeing, education, and resettlement. While the rollout of technology since the Covid-19 pandemic has been positive, there is room for improvement, and the report provides practical recommendations for further development.

London: Prison Reform Trust, 2025. 36p.