Ms Ethel Gavin:

Absolutely, computer literacy is one area of computer workshops. It is wonderful to see Mr. Graham appearing here virtually today. I would have hoped that he would have been able to set up the link himself. Aspects like this are important. We tend to overthink and presume that people can do these things. One of the serious situations people encounter, however, is that they cannot do things online because they have not had access to digital literacy training. Mr. Graham has answered the question himself, because he should have been able to set up this meeting today. He would have learned exceptional skills from being able to do so.

During the last two years, we all learned how to use Zoom, MS Teams and Webex by Cisco. As someone of a more senior age, I am now really good at using all these software platforms. The practical thing we need to do is to start thinking about what this means for someone like Mr. Graham. If he had been able to set up a meeting like this one, he would have learned a hell of a lot about the digital world. Therefore, it is important that we focus more on this aspect of training. I keep saying "we" because I keep thinking I am still in a job, but this is something the Prison Service needs to focus on now. I refer to the importance of having a knowledge of the digital world in allowing people to move forward with their lives. This includes being able to use apps like Revolut, but also something as simple as being comfortable with the communications platform we are using this morning.