The POA podcast

Ask The Chair is the opportunity for POA members to put their questions directly to POA National Chair Mark Fairhurst.  No question is off limits and the first Mark knows about it is when the question is read out on the show.  This time round we have questions - and forthright answers – on the 68 is too late campaign, OSG overtime (spoiler alert – you are entitled to overtime, and not obliged to take TOIL), the joys and challenges of POA conference and as always, a pointed question on the fate of Mark’s beloved Everton FC. More info as always at poauk.org.uk. Email your questions to [email protected], and don’t forget to include your name and establishment.

The issue of Separation Centres was thrown into sharp focusfollowing the horrendous assault on three prison officers at HMP Frankland last year.  The government commissioned the Hall report as a result and it’s 13 recommendations were published toward the end of 2025.  In this episode we catch upwith NEC Vice-Chair Dave Todd and NEC member Phil Hannant to discuss what improvements we can expect to see – and what further changes are necessary but more challenging.  More information at poauk.org.uk

The union’s campaign for the right of members in England,Wales and Northern Ireland to be able to take industrial action has received a boost from the influential European Committee of Social Rights.  The Committee has said that the continuingprobation on the union is inconsistent with Europe-wide standards of human rights.  National Chair Mark Fairhurstand General Secretary Steve Gillan place this development in the context of the union’s work and the case it is taking to the European Court of Human Rights – and set out the key role POA members and officials can play in sustaining thecampaign.  More information at poauk.org.uk

The Branch Officials' training course is a vital tool in the training and development of the union's representatives. But what does the course cover? What do students get out of it? Is it as good as everyone says it is, and what makes it that way? We get views from four of the reps on last month's course, plus Assistant General Secretary Andy Baxter. Between them, they will answer all these questions and plenty more besides! More info at poauk.org.uk

In the new Ask The Chair, Mark Fairhurst answersquestions from members on body scanners and women prisoners, Payment Plus, the recent exemption secured for overseas-born prison officers, the absence ofinterviews in Band 3 recruitment, just how independent is the Prison Service Pay Review body and what was the best-ever Everton team.  Forthright and to-the-point, no subject isoff-limits.  Ask your question at [email protected] More info at poauk.org.uk.

Engaging younger members in the union and keeping themactive is an essential part of the POA’s strategy, and the Young Members Consultative Committee is a key body for delivering that objective.  In this episode, Jordan, Lewis and Tyler, threemembers of the Committee  join Deputy General Secretary Mick Pimblett to share their hopes and experiences  and explain why young members are very much the present as well as the future of the POA. More info at poauk.org.uk

The Women’s networking event is now a firm fixture in the POA calendar, but what goes into making the event so popular and successful?  NEC member Jackie Marshall gives us the inside track on last November’s gathering, and Dawn Orchard explains why HMPPS employee relations are supportive of the initiative. We also get views from two first-time attendees, Patience and Rhonda. If you’re curious but uncertain whether or not to get involved, everyone has encouraging and supportive words for you! For details of all POA activity, visit poauk.org.uk

National Chair Mark Fairhurst discusses the results of the2025 POA members’ survey, highlighting the mismatch between what respondents are saying to the union, and the picture painted by the MoJ’s own survey work.  He also sets out why maximum involvement by members is so important in making sure the employer has a clear view direct from front line.  More information at poauk.org.uk

Ask The Chair gives POA members and reps the chance to ask National Chair Mark Fairhurst……anything! (and he doesn’t see the questions before-hand). In this episode, questions come from Preston to London, and covers subjectslike emergency response teams in the high security estate, the challenge of Iron Man competitions and whether Everton can get the better of Liverpool in. this season’s Premier League. Got a question? Email [email protected] . Visit poauk.org.uk for more info.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs festival takes palce each July and isa form fixture in the POA calendar.  In this episode we hear about the origins of the festival, why it lies close to the heart of the union, and how the union’s involvement has changed and grown over the years.  We also hear from Tyler and Mark, two lay POA reps, on their impressions of the festival.  It’s fair to say that it’s not at all what they expected. More details on the Festival at their website and of course from poauk.org.uk