The POA podcast

The cost of non-compliance massively outweighs the time spent getting and keeping RMPs in place and in this episode, recorded at the end of April, NEC member Ian Carson explains the importance of RMPs, and how POA members and reps can use them to create a safer working environment. As Ian says, "hope is not a strategy on which to run a prison." More information at poauk.org.uk

In this episode we go “behind the scenes” of the union and talkto some of the staff who provide vital support to the NEC and full time officers, as well as local reps and members. Whether its making sure negotiators have the latest information or “Gatelodge” is published on time, one thing is clear – no two days are the same. Featuring Angela Sinclair, Paula Larwell, Steve Lewis, Nicola Hubert and Helen Whitaker.More information at poauk.org.uk

What makes a good prison governor? NEC members Jackie Marshall and Ian Carson share their experiences of the good , the bad and the very bad characteristics of occupants of this crucial position. Will you agree with their conclusions on the must-have qualities needed to be a good governor? Listen and join the debate! More information on all POA activity always available from poauk.org.uk.

POA members know how poor and dangerous the physical state of most UK prisons is.  The union is determined to secure a change for the better and is being supported by MPs such as Kim Johnson (Lab, Liverpool Riverside). Kim has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the in-sourcing of buildings maintenance work, and in this episode discusses why this issue is so close to her heart, what she hopes the motion will achieve and how POA members and local reps can help. The episode also features testimonies from local reps on the awful conditions they have to work in, and national chair Mark Fairhurst assesses why privatisation has failed so badly and the politics of achieving improvements. More information from poauk.org.uk

National Chair Mark Fairhurst, General Secretary Steve Gillan and National Vice-Chair Dave Todd give an update on latest activity in support of the union's pay claim for 2025 following submission of a written claim to the Prison Service Pay Review Body.

In this new year message, national chair Mark Fairhurst looks forward to 2025 being the year when POA members are heard with increasing clarity on a range of issues including pay,  changes to the Open estate regime, and the in-sourcing of contracted-out building maintenance work, alongside long-running campaigns on “68 is too late”, the right to strike and creating a safer working environment.  Keep up to date at poauk.org.uk and to support the insourcing campaign, click here for details.

Coinciding with a feature article in the winter 2024 edition of Gatelodge, NEC member Jackie Marshall, former National Chair John Boddington MBE and Paul Evans from Bradford City Council talk about the origins and enduring importance of this much-loved annual event, which keeps memories alive of those lost and injured in the tragic fire at Bradford City FC in May 1985.  More information in Gatelodge magazine and at poauk.org.uk

The POA, like 33 other unions in the UK and Ireland, is affiliated to Justice For Columbia. In this episode, we explore what that relationship means in practice, the vital difference it makes to the POA's counterparts in Colombia, and why the struggles faced in the UK and Colombia are much closer to each other than people may think. All information correct as of September 2024. More information at poauk.org.uk

General Secretary Steve Gillan introduces speakers at an event in Parliament held last month to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the removal of prison officers' right to take industrial action and to urge support for the union's ongoing campaign for this right to be restored throughout the UK, as it has already been in Scotland.   Those participating include National Chair Mark Fairhurst, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, Mick Whelan from Aslef, Mick Lynch from the RMT, Martin Kavanagh of PCS, and Jo Grady of the University and Colleges Union. Parliamentarians who supported and spoke at the event were members of the Justice team such as Lord John Atlee and former POA branch chair-now-MP Sally Jameson, Parliamentary Justice Union's chair Liz Saville Roberts MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP and Justice Select Committee Chair Andy Slaughter MP.  Clare Mellor from leading trade union law firm Thompsons also contributed.   A strong show of support from the union's many friends and allies both inside and outside Westminster. Original sound recording by Consequential Films. More information at poauk.org.uk.

Following the removal, in 1994, of the right to strike in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Prison Service Pay Awards have been recommended to government by a Pay Reivew Body. In this episode GS Steve Gillan and AGS Andy Baxter look at whether this so-called "compensatory mechanism" is a fair alternative, how the POA interacts with it to try and get the best for members, and the union's continuing campaign for the restoration of the right to take industrial action as and when necessary. More information at poauk.org.uk

The POA's new health and safety structure has now been augmented by a refreshed reporting system for accidents and near misses.  In this episode, Assistant General Secretary Mick Pimblett, NEC members Jackie Marshall and Health and Safety Consultative Committee member Paul Telford from HMP Frankland discuss the importance of good reporting and reflect on how the HSCC has marked a step change in this vital area of POSA activity.  More information at poauk.org.uk. The retired members' survey is still open - screenshot the QR code for access.

The Committee recently hosted it's first gathering for Retired Members at the Cassa Club in Liverpool.  We hear from the national officials, committee members, retired members and guests who were there on the importance and value of such events, their hopes for the future and the importance of a just-launched retired members' survey - the QR code in the podcast logo will take you to the questionnaire. Original audio recording by Consequential Films. More information at https://www.poauk.org.uk/our-union/retired-members/

National Chair Mark Fairhurst gives a key update on the POA members' survey and prison overcrowding. More information at poauk.org.uk. Running time 11.45s

In this episode, recorded on the day the Government both published and accepted all 14 recommendations from the Prison Service Pay Review Body,  National Chair Mark Fairhurst and General Secretary Steve Gillan reflect on the first month of the new Labour Government. As you'll hear, the verdict so far is one of cautious optimism, but no lessening of effort and focus from the union's leadership in pursuit of a fair deal for members. More information at poauk.org.uk

The union's annual conference is the most important fixed event in the POA calendar. In this episode we look back at last month's event with National Chair Mark Fairhurst and General Secretary Steve Gillan. We also hear from some first-time delegates and first time speakers at conference on their experiences. More information at poauk.org.uk.  Delegates' sound recordings by Greg McDonald of Consequential Films.

In this episode we look at the role of the union in the annual TUC's Women's Conference held recently.  We ask what is the importance of the Conference?  And how does it contribute to the drive for greater inclusivity and equality within the POA? The episode also talks about the campaign for greater recognition of fertility and baby death issues.  You can get advice and support from Tommy's, a charity that offers support to all women and couples through baby loss and fertility issues with expert midwives as well as an online community: https://www.tommys.org/about-us/contact-us?msclkid=822cb93753ab10012421df095be01159.    Additionally there are two cross government and civil service networks: https://khub.net/group/cross-government-working-groups-fertility-at-work-and-pregnancy-loss-and-death-of-a-baby The Civil Service Infertility Support Community is open to all colleagues who are dealing with infertility or undergoing fertility treatment, regardless of their journey stage or outcome. The group offers a confidential, safe space for colleagues to share their experiences and to hear from others on a similar journey. The community meets monthly, via Teams, usually the second Thursday of the month. Colleagues can join via Teams or by dialling in anonymously and are invited to share only what they are comfortable sharing. This can include just listening. This group is open to all people who are going through or have experienced fertility treatment, including partners. Contact Heather Wareing (heather.wareing@hmrc.gov.uk) for more information. Colleagues can also access a support conversation via your manager or through EAP support services on 0800 019 8988. One of the POA's delegates to the conference, Alice Lee, is also happy to share her experiences, as described in the podcast.  She can be contacted through Jackie Marshall and Sarah Rigby as the NEC leads for this area of work, or directly at alice.lee@justice.gov.uk.

In this special episode, National Chair Mark Fairhurst and General Secretary Steve Gillan share the background to the latest overcrowding crisis, the forceful response from both the union and senior HMPPS management - and the potential risks of the current period of political “purdah” between now and the General Election on 4 July. Mark and Steve also set out the union's priorities  and hopes for the post-election period and discussions with whichever government follows the one that is currently just leaving office. More details from poauk.org.uk

The union has recently reviewed and renewed it's Health and Safety Consultative Committee and already the changes are having a positive effect. In this episode, National vice-chair Dave Todd, NEC member Jackie Marshall and lay committee members Paul, Zaz and Jade talk about how the committee works hard to deliver for members, the current key health and safety challenges, and what drives the committee members to get involved in this area of the union's work. More information from poauk/health-safety

As part of the union's campaign to support and empower women members, a second Women's Networking Event was held earlier in the year. In this episode, Amy Crook from HMP Long Lartin and NEC member Jackie Marshall talk about why this event has become such a popular feature in the union's calendar – ranging from what participants like Amy get out of bringing women members together in a mixture of formal and informal sessions, to all the work that takes place behind the scenes to make the events successful.  For more information visit poauk.org.uk

Weapon related assaults of prison staff have increased from 10% of all assaults in 2010 to 25% in 2022 – and knife and blade attacks have increased by 16% in the most recent year that statistics are available for.   Despite awful assaults with life-changing consequences, the response of the employer and of government has been slow.  The union is awaiting the outcome of pilot exercises on the removal of razors.  This is expected imminently but the union has persistently said that this over complicates and delays what should be a straightforward decision.  The signatories to a Parliamentary Early Day Motion on the subject clearly agree. In this episode, national chair Mark Fairhurst and General Secretary Steve Gillan set out the union's campaign to banish blades from jails, why there is some optimism about progress towards this, and what members can do to most effectively keep themselves safe in the meantime. More information on the ongoing campaign is to be found in April's issue of Gatelodge and on the union's website where you can also find more on Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work, and the union's Parliamentary work.  

The POA Welfare fund is one of the union's “jewels in the crown.”  Funded by and for members, £1 of each month's union subscription is ring-fenced for the Welfare Fund, whose objectives are “the relief of the poor and sickness.”   In this toolkit podcast, POA General Secretary Steve Gillan talks about the origins and workings of the Fund and of the amazing rehabilitation work done by the Firefighters' Charity, which POA members can naccess through the Welfare Fund.   These are two important and highly prized member benefits.  You can find out more at www.poauk.org.uk/support/welfare-fund/

For better or worse, the private sector is now part of the landscape in the prison and custodial sector.  The POA has a fast growing private sector membership and local officers who have to engage with a different breed of managers and employers.  In this episode we look at the work of the union's Private Sector Consultative Committee and talk to reps about their experiences of dealing with Sodexo, Mitie, G4s and Serco.  More information at www.poauk.org.uk

In this episode we meet the newly formed POA Committee at Manston Short-Term Holding facility and discuss the unique work of POA members at the juxtaposed sites in France.

Terry McCarthy is the member of the POA's National Executive Committee who has lead responsibility for the union's members who work in the YCS.  What he has to report may surprise or even shock POA members who have only worked in the adult sector. www.poauk.org.uk

HMPPS have recently issued mandatory new standards for First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work. In this Toolkit podcast, Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson explains the background to the new standards, and the practical consequences of them. POA circular 078 of 2023 refers - you can access that here.

National Chair Mark Fairhurst on seeing the union's persistence on Fitness Tests yielding results, and the truth behind the HMP Wandsworth Independent Monitoring Board report. For information on all POA activity, visit www.poauk.org.uk

The union's political activity is at the heart of this episode.  General Secretary Steve Gillan and Parliamentary Researcher Charley Allan discuss why political activity is unavoidable, how the union makes sure its voice is heard loudly in Parliament, and the importance of the union's Political Fund.  More information at poauk.org.uk . Follow the union on Facebook and X

In this episode we are joined by former Prison Officer and POA rep, author Alex South.  Her book Behind These Doors detailing Alex's 10 years in the prison service was published earlier this year to great acclaim from critics and readers.  Extracts were serialised in the Sunday Times and it was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. Alex's writing journey was kick started when she entered and won the Beachmore Life Writing Competition with a piece that eventually became her book.   She also received the prestigious Winston Churchill fellowship which enabled her to study the treatment of prison staff in other countries.   Despite the Prison Service doing its best to keep Alex, with promotions and specialist training, the desperate under-resourcing of the service meant she eventually felt unable to continue in post.   Behind these Doors, stories of strength, suffering and survival in prison, by Alex South is published by Hodder and Stoughton and is also available as an audio book.  The recommendations and policy ideas discussed are, of course, Alex's own thinking rather than POA policy.   For the latest union news, visit poauk.org.uk and you can also follow the union on social media.

Members in closed grades are being urged to seriously consider opting-in to the F&S structure.  In this special episode, DGS Joe Simpson, AGS Andy Baxter and NEC member Sarah Rigby (herself in an F&S grade) look at the facts of the matter, and dispel some of the misunderstandings that have surfaced.  There is a real decision for closed grade members to make and this podcast gives the facts members need to choose what is right for them.  More information from your branch committee or area NEC representative.

Recruitment and organising new young members are key issues for all unions, and the POA has recently established a Young Members' Consultative Committee to support young activists as they begin their journeys as POA representatives.   In this episode, recorded immediately following their first meeting. YMCC members Natalie, Declan, Katie and Tyler plus Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson speak candidly about what motivated them to get active in the POA, what issues are of greatest weight for young members, and, crucially, what does success look like when it comes to the POA's young members' strategy?   More details at poauk.org.uk.  Contact the Young Members Consultative Committee by email at carol@poauk.org.uk

In this episode retiring NEC member Dave Cook looks back on 30 years' service to the POA – how he got involved, why the NEC is different to work at a branch level, how the job and the union have changed,  what further change is still necessary, and the high profile issues that Dave was instrumental in  - keeping members safe despite overcrowding and the pandemic.   Dave's reputation is one of straight talking and telling it like it is.  As you'll hear, he's clearly lost none of that passion.   Replacing Dave on the union's Executive Committee is Phil Hannant.  Phil tells us about the journey that has taken him to the NEC, and his hopes and priorities for his term of office. More information at poauk.org.uk

The POA is campaigning for a Royal Commission into the Criminal Justice system to address the many and inter-locking issues affecting the union's members – including pensionable age, recruitment and retention, and violence at work.  In this special episode, General Secretary Steve Gillan and Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson talk about the progress being made and the importance of events like the Parliamentary briefing held on 20 June.   For more information, visit poauk.org.uk

National Chair Mark Fairhurst and General Secretary Steve Gillan look back at the POA's annual conference, held earlier this month in Eastbourne.  What were the stand-out debates and contributions?  Which guest speakers had most impact? What are the priority issues following conference? What is the state of the union following this most important of events?  Keynote speeches from the conference are available on the union's Facebook page and more information is available from poauk.org.uk

In this toolkit podcast, POA DGS Joe Simpson describes the vital role undertaken by Union Safety Representatives, or USRs.  He also discusses why the role is not as complex as it may sometimes sound, and gives guidance on how you can become a USR and the support that is available.  In the podcast, Joe refers to the following – click on the link to find out more: IOSH – Institute of Occupational Safety and Health NEBOSH – National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health SRSC Regs - SafetyRepresentatives and  Safety Committee Regulations TUC Health and Safety Course To find out more, talk to your local branch officers, email healthandsafety@poauk.org.uk  or visit poauk.org.uk/news-events/health-safety

In this episode we look at the work of POA members in secure mental health institutions, particularly Rampton, Ashworth and Carstairs.  What is the journey that leads people to this very demanding type of work?  What are the differences between working in the NHS and HMPPS? And how do you organise a ballot when you have members spread across 247 locations?  Members of the Consultative Committee give rare and candid insights.   During the discussion, reference was made to how a high street coffee shop pays more than a qualified nurse, the issue of a 1pence per hour pay rise for certain NHS grades, and the creation of a million millionaires in the UK during Covid.  Click on the links to access articles on each of these. The indicative ballot on the NHS pay offer and revisions in the national minimum wage and national living wage, are also mentioned.   For more information on the union and all the work it does in support of its members, visit poauk.org.uk.    

This episode focusses on the role of dog-handlers on the prison estate, the dogs who work with them and the union's Dog Handlers' Consultative Committee. With NEC member Jackie Marshall, and DHCC members Lester Cobley and Michael Doyle. Find out more at poauk.org.uk

In this episode we look at the work of the Operational Support grades, or OSGs. OSGs are the second largest occupational group in the POA but have an extensive list of responsibilities including vital roles in Control Rooms and on Gate duties. Unlike many of their colleagues, OSGs also retain the legal right to take industrial action. To tell us more about the role of OSGs both in the prison service and in the POA, we are joined by NEC member Jackie Marshall and Secretary of the POA branch at HMP Hull, and an OSG himself, Lewis Nicholson. More information at poauk.org.uk

In this special bite-sized edition, National Chair of the POA Mark Fairhurst discusses two new political challenges for the union. The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill being rushed through Parliament will directly affect the ability of those members who still have the right to strike to exercise that right, but will also cause concern for everyone else too. And last week the government published its submission to the Prison Service Pay Review Body. Mark explains why the government's position is simply not good enough, and what that means for how pay is determined for the POA's HMPPS membership. As Mark says, now is the time that prison staff need their union like never before. More information at poa.uk.org.uk

In this episode, Patrick McGguire from Thompson's solicitors who works closely with the POA in Scotland explains why any POA member with any legal issue whatsoever should think first of approaching the union's legal services, and why using “high street, fat cat, no win, no fee” outfits will end up costing members more for an inferior service. Patrick also shares the results of detailed market research on union legal services which shows around trade union members in Scotland alone losing £3m a year in compensation in avoidable legal fees, and AGS Mick Pimblett tells about some important developments in how members access the union's legal services. More information at poauk.org.uk

The first POA's Women's Networking event took place last month. Women activists came from across the UK to learn from each other's experiences and listen top-drawer speakers such as Clare Mellor, Chief Executive of Thompsons Solicitors, Kudsia Batool , head of the equalities at the TUC, Tracey Varela, MOJ HR business partner and Andrea Mistry from the MOJ's Tackling Unacceptable Behaviours Unit. They were joined by Sarah Rigby and Jackie Marshall from the NEC, AGS Angela Montgomery and Angela Sinclair from POA HQ. This unique record of a special event contains contributions from 19 of those who participated. More information from poauk.org.uk

In this episode we focus on employment law issues – from dismissal, through discrimination, to a wide range of contractual terms and conditions. Emma Game, from the POA's legal services partner Thompson's, talks us through what issues are most prevalent, what makes for a successful claim for compensation, and how cases are managed though the legal process. This is a key benefit for members, and this podcast is a guide to how to know if you have a valid claim, and what to do if you have. Seeking advice promptly from local POA representatives is, as ever, invaluable. More information at www.poauk.org.uk/support/legal-services/

POA activist Sally Jameson is not only chair of her branch at HMP Moorland, she has also recently been selected to contest the Doncaster Central parliamentary seat for the Labour Party in the next General Election. In this special episode Sally tells us how her work as a Prison Officer has contributed to a determination to bring the values of public service, proper terms and conditions and an improved prison service into Parliament. She also shares with us how she became involved with the union, her journey to becoming a branch chair, and how her union and political work support each other. More information at poauk.org.uk

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Gardner from the POA's legal services providers, Thompson's solicitors. Sarah walks us through the procedure followed when POA members suffer an injury at work and want to make a claim for compensation, and gives some real-life examples of cases taken and won. POA members and their families are also covered for many types of injury and road traffic accidents away from work. It adds up to a great POA benefit for members. Find out more at poauk.org.uk

This special episode looks at the role played by POA members in the immigration sector, including an update from the Manston Airport site following a recent visit by POA national officials. The union has a long-standing presence in many areas of the sector but following a recruitment drive, membership has more than doubled to over 400. Assistant General Secretary Andy Baxter explains what POA members do (and it's nothing to do with people crossing the channel in small boats) and why the situation at Manston is, to quote one member, “a pressure cooker with no release valve” requiring urgent and wide-ranging action by Government. More information at poauk.org.uk

In this episode, Emma Hulme from Thompson's, the provider of the POA's legal services, talks about the stressful experience of being arrested – in what circumstances that is likely, what support is available and, crucially, how can POA members access that support when they need it. Arrest is more common than you might think which makes this episode essential listening. More information at poauk.org.uk.

In a special edition of the POA Podcast, hear the NC Mark Fairhurst, DGS Joe Simpson and NEC members Jackie Marshall and Sarah Rigby highlight and discuss issues faced by female colleagues in the workplace. For more information and an opportunity attend a residential supporting women in the workplace workshop, please see circular 81/22 (https://www.poauk.org.uk/news-events/news-room/posts/2022/september/cic-081-supporting-women-in-the-workplace-workshop/)

In this episode, POA Assistant General Secretary Mick Pimblett talks about the union's legal services: What is covered? How can members access those services? How is the union's policy on legal services determined? And the importance of specialised legal support to launch judicial reviews in policy areas that are vital for the POA. This benefit for members has secured over £8m in compensation over the last two years alone – and POA members receive every penny of any award that is made in their favour. Find out more at www.poauk.org.uk

All deaths in custody trigger an inquest by a Coroner's Court. In this episode Keith Shepherd from Thompson's solicitors walks us through the process from start to finish, with unrivalled experience and insights. We also hear from POA branch official Laura Bird on just why POA membership and legal support is so important in these situations. For more information visit www.poauk.org.uk

The POA is working hard to be as inclusive as possible. Part of this is to work for and with members with disabilities. In this episode deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson and NEC members Jackie Marshall and Geoff Willetts discuss what we mean by disability, and how the union campaigns and negotiates for more awareness of, and fair treatment for, members with disabilities. More information at www.poauk.org.uk

POA General Secretary Steve Gillan and National Chairman Mark Fairhurst look back at the first in-person POA conference for three years, and preview the TUC's New Deal for Working People demonstration on 18 June - why it is important, how to take part and how you can get there. More details at poauk.org.uk and tuc.org.uk

This episode is about post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a fast increasing and worrying phenomenon amongst Prison Officers. The POA announced it had commissioned research work into this often overlooked and misunderstood condition and report author Joanna Binley joins us on the podcast to describe her findings. We then welcome Caroline Sheldon and Tracey Varela from the MoJ's Employee Psychological Services to walk us through the employer's response to the PTSD challenge. We also look at the HMPPS return-to-work policy and a valuable description of what support is available from the Employee Assistance Programme (tel: 0800 0198988) and others, and what members can expect once they pick up the phone or otherwise reach out. More information at www.poauk.org.uk .