SECURE video calls will be introduced to prisons across England and Wales to maintain vital family contact for prisoners during the coronavirus pandemic.

Following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is installing the technology at ten institutions with a wider rollout in the coming weeks.

Nick Leader, governor of HMP Berwyn, said: “The introduction of video calls has shown that even in times of adversity it is possible to develop new and innovative ways of supporting those in our care.

“This technology will support resettlement planning and is a positive step to improve relations with staff and reduce the strain introduced by some of the current, but necessary, restrictions.”

The measure is part of wider action to preserve family ties after social visits in prisons and young offenders institutes were suspended, to comply with the Government’s guidance on controlling the spread of coronavirus and protecting life.

The introduction of video calls reflects the Government’s recognition of the importance of maintaining family ties, particularly at women’s prisons, young offender institutions and jails without in-cell telephones. In March, ministers acted quickly to introduce 900 secure phone handsets which have been rolled out across the prison estate.

The new technology builds on the 2017 Lord Farmer review which found that close bonds between prisoners and family members can significantly reduce their risk of reoffending.

Prisons and Probation minister Lucy Frazer QC MP, said: “Prisoners have seen drastic changes to their daily routines to protect local health services and save lives. A part of that has been the loss of social visits – something we know plays a huge role in prisoners’ wellbeing and rehabilitation.

“It is therefore right that we take proportionate steps to keep them in touch with their families by other means during the current pandemic.”

The first institutions to begin video calls are:

• HMP Berwyn

• HMP Bronzefield

• HMP Downview

• HMP Eastwood Park

• HMP Garth

• HMP High Down

• HMP Hull

• HMP Wayland

• HMP Werrington

• HMP Wetherby

In line with recommendations from the Lord Farmer review, work was already underway to explore the use of video calls and assessments into their potential wider use in future are ongoing.

Safeguards are in place to prevent misuse with all participants vetted in advance and calls monitored by prison staff.

Time-limited calls will be made either by prisoners making a call request to their designated contact or by families who can request a time slot through a mobile app or directly with the establishment.

Video calls will be provided through secure laptops in a designated room in each institution and restrictions have been built into the software to ensure safe use.