Unilink Self Service: Empowering prisoners through digital self-service

Unilink’s self-service platform is reshaping prisons for the digital age and providing a secure and controlled way to manage routine prison processes, offering benefits to both staff and prisoners. 

By replacing paperwork with digital tools, Unilink empowers prisoners to take greater responsibility for their daily activities. Through secure in-cell devices and robust kiosks, individuals can manage requests, purchase items, check balances, book visits, or communicate via e-messaging. This structured independence supports rehabilitation and prepares individuals for reintegration into society.

For prison staff, the platform’s powerful  Staff Portal simplifies administration by enabling rapid responses to prisoner requests. This frees up staff time, lessens frustration, improves efficiency, eases pressure, and supports wellbeing, creating a safer and more positive environment for both staff and prisoners. 

Secure access to whitelisted websites, such as games, eBooks, music, television, and films, allows prisoners to develop essential digital skills and engage with online education. Access can be tailored to meet security requirements, with full monitoring and configurable restrictions set at group or individual level. This structured and constructive use of leisure content fosters engagement, reduces tension, and contributes to a more stable prison environment. 

The platform works seamlessly on in-cell tablets, laptops, and PCs, as well as on robust, biometrically enabled kiosks located across prison wings. These kiosks are designed to withstand heavy use and physical damage, ensuring reliability and security in one of the most demanding environments.

Independent research by Professor Cynthia McDougall OBE, University of York, highlights the potential of prisoner self-service to improve outcomes, enhance efficiency, and support rehabilitation. In a society where digital access is the norm, these tools help to bridge the gap between prison life and the outside world, helping to prepare them for a successful return to the community. Unilink self-service is a vital tool in engaging and motivating offenders, as well as preparing them for life after release. 

Don't just take our word for it

Read what our customers say about us.

“Self-service has the potential to overcome prisons being in a ‘parallel universe’ when compared to the ubiquity of IT in the outside world. This works towards prisoners’ successful reintegration into the community.”
Professor Cynthia McDougall OBE
University of York
“Self service is the major component of our improvement as a prison”
Phil Novis
Govenor
“Some prisoners reluctant to move from Exeter to a prison without self-service”
Anonymous
Exeter

Get in touch to discuss how Unilink Self Service can help your digital transformation