Innovative solutions can transform the lives of individuals, even in the most restrictive environments.
At HMP Dovegate, a new vision for rehabilitation and connectivity has emerged, spearheaded by the adoption of in-cell technology. Implementation of this technology has profoundly enhanced prisoners' access to education, mental health resources, communication and overall well-being within this Category B male prison.
The approach has been driven by a vision to modernise facilities and build on successful efforts Serco implemented during the time we managed HMP Lowdham Grange. It was developed and implemented in partnership with Unify, which has utilised similar technologies in prisons and immigration centres. The project reflects how technology can address complex issues within the rehabilitation framework both creatively and effectively.
The challenge
HMP Dovegate faced the challenge of improving cost-efficiency alongside programme accessibility. Many prisoners spend a considerable amount of time locked in cells, often feeling isolated and disconnected from opportunities to engage, learn or communicate.
Key challenges included:
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Limited access to technology: Prisoners relied on communal kiosks to undertake essential tasks like ordering meals, writing formal messages, and accessing support services. The public nature of these kiosks often led to issues such as reduced privacy and bullying.
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Isolation and mental health needs: Confinement limited opportunities for rehabilitative activities or interaction, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and frustration.
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Restricted educational opportunities: Rehabilitation efforts through education were hindered since much of the learning required physical attendance in classrooms, limiting flexibility.
- Communication barriers: Prisoners and their families faced difficulties in staying connected, which further exacerbated feelings of detachment and stress.
The vision for this initiative was clear: to revolutionise the existing system to make it more private, accessible and effective in addressing rehabilitation and support needs.
The solution
HMP Dovegate saw the potential of Unify’s in-cell technology as an innovative and holistic solution to bridge these gaps and enhance prisoner support. By equipping cells with TVs, keyboards and Unify's platform – accessed by a cost-effective ‘Raspberry Pi’ device – HMP Dovegate transformed prisoners’ day-to-day experiences.
By December 2022, Unify’s in-cell technology was fully installed across HMP Dovegate.
Key features of the technology include:
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Education and learning: The system provides access to tools that support both formal education and vocational learning, such as training videos, personal development materials, and a community health and well-being app for physical fitness initiatives.
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Mental health support: Dedicated apps, such as the Shout messaging service, provide discreet access to mental health organisations. Prisoners can connect with professionals via a two-way text system, offering personalised support for those hesitant to engage in traditional, face-to-face conversations.
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Enhanced privacy: Prisoners can now privately submit meal requests, communicate with prison staff, and access personal information securely within their cells, reducing instances of bullying.
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Family connection: A secure messaging service allows families to initiate contact with prisoners through approved channels, creating a more normalised communication flow while alleviating frustration for both prisoners and their loved ones.
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Entertainment and engagement: Access to features like structured games, podcasts and news reduces boredom, a driving factor in problematic behaviours.
Unify demonstrated its bespoke approach by allowing HMP Dovegate to co-develop the app ecosystem with direct feedback from prisoners. Regular steering groups ensure the system continuously evolves to meet their needs.
The impact
The introduction of in-cell technology at HMP Dovegate has had a tangible impact on both the daily lives of its prisoners and the operational effectiveness of the facility.
There are some measurable results:
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High adoption rate: A recent 90-day report showed that 75% of the prison’s population actively used the system, with 967,668 messages sent to family and friends, and 32,800 ‘Inspire’ reward points earned. Other usage stats include:
- Radio – 17,932 plays
- Scrabble – 4,187 plays
- Diary – 3,955 uses
- Britannica – 2,742 uses
- Community wellbeing and fitness – 2,348 uses
- Translate – 15 days’ use for 211 users
- Scribe – 5 days’ use from 150 users.
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Reduced isolation: Prisoners report feeling more connected to family, staff and external support services, with tools like messaging enabling meaningful interactions. For example, 91,360 messages were sent over 90 days to order meals, put applications into departments and other similar task requests.
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Improved behaviour: By giving prisoners productive outlets, the system has contributed to lower frustration levels, notably reducing incidents of disruptive behaviour.
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Educational engagement: Regular access to educational resources has increased prisoner participation in both formal and informal learning activities, building skills that support eventual reintegration into society.
Overcoming challenges
While the programme's success is clear, its implementation did not come without hurdles. Early issues, such as the tampering or mishandling of equipment, highlighted the need for durable installations and educational initiatives about system value. These concerns were addressed by continuing to engage prisoners in co-designing features, fostering a sense of ownership that improves care for the equipment.
Steering groups, featuring staff and prisoner representatives, continue to play a pivotal role in guiding system improvements. This collaborative model ensures that technological innovations remain aligned with prisoners’ needs, while helping HMP Dovegate adapt to new challenges.
Looking ahead
This case study illustrates the empowerment that can come through intelligently applied technology. The adapted in-cell solution has become more than a technological innovation; it’s an integral part of HMP Dovegate’s rehabilitation ethos.
By addressing educational, mental health, privacy and family connection needs, the platform demonstrates how forward-thinking initiatives can inspire tangible improvements in prisoner welfare and long-term outcomes.
What’s next for in-cell technology at HMP Dovegate? Future updates include developing post-release apps to support resettlement journeys and enhancing family communication tools.
With sights set on further enhancing rehabilitation efforts, the programme showcases the potential of privately funded prison amenities to create meaningful change – not only for the immediate benefit of prisoners but also for broader societal reintegration goals.
Breaking the cycle of reoffending
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