Prison overcrowding, the General Election and challenges for the new government

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 ([email protected]) 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 [email protected].