TIC2024-PID021 - Patricia O'Hagan and Colleen Walsh

Disrupting Traditional Education Practices in Prisons: The Role of Digital Technology

Authors

Patricia O'Hagan

Independent Consultant, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Patricia O’Hagan is the Co-founder of Core Systems, a software company that is a world leader in prisoner self-service technology with over 250,000 users, in Correctional agencies across three continents. Core Systems technology solutions provide people in the justice system with meaningful opportunities that can change behaviours and empower people to transform into contributing members of society. The company is deeply passionate about driving this positive change and its mission is to transform lives together.

Patricia is a design engineer with over 20 years of experience in software product design. She has worked with a wide range of Prison and Correctional Services Agencies around the world. Patricia is an international speaker on Corrections Technology and has been invited to present at industry forums including the ACA Congress of Corrections (American Correctional Association) the Inter Prison Service Security Group (Her Majesty’s Prison Service, UK) and APPA (American Probation and Parole Association).

Patricia has authored numerous publications in the Corrections, Technology and Biometric fields. Patricia served on the Skills for Security Consultation Group for Biometrics and Human Identity contributing to the development of national occupational standards for the industry. Patricia is currently an active member of the APPA technology committee.

From 2011 – 2017 Patricia served on the Economic Advisory Group (EAG), providing independent advice to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and she is currently a member of Matrix, the industry panel informing government, industry and academia on the commercial exploitation of R&D and science and technology. Patricia was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2013 Royal New Year Honours list for services to the Northern Ireland Economy. In 2022 Patricia was awarded Outstanding Woman in Tech by Women in Tech Northern Ireland.

Colleen Walsh

Product Owner, Core Systems/ MHS, United Kingdom

Colleen Walsh is an accomplished and dedicated product owner with a strong background in the development and implementation of innovative software solutions, with the last 4 years focusing solely on Users in the Justice sector. With 8 years of experience in product innovation, Colleen understands the unique challenges faced by correctional facilities and translates them into effective software solutions.
In her role as a Product Owner at Core Systems, Colleen is committed to driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and ultimately contributing to the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of those in the justice system back into society.

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