Conference Review

New research work by trainee Forensic on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was unveiled at the union’s recent annual conference.  Out of a survey size of 400, a frightening 51.7% were found to be exhibiting signs of PTSD.   In this episode report author and trainee ForensicPsychologist Laura Wright tells us more about the report’s findings, what an appropriate response might look like and how to know if you may be carrying the symptoms of PTSD. To access support for PTSD speak to your GP or EAP provider.For urgent help, call Samaritans on 116 123. Further information and advice isavailable from PTSD UK (https://www.ptsduk.org)Lifelines Prison Service (https://www.lifelines.scot/prison-service)Hub of Hope (https://hubofhope.co.uk)To learn more about the union's work on this issue, visit poauk.org.uk 

National Chair Mark Fairhurst and General Secretary Steve Gillan reflect on an eventful and important POA annual conference.  What were the stand-out moments? Which issues commanded most attention? And what happens to all the motions adopted by Conference when they are passed to the NEC?  More information at poauk.org.uk

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