The POA podcast
By POA Podcast
The POA podcastAug 01, 2021
Women's Networking event take 2!
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
Time to banish blades from prisons!
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 and Firefighters' Charity
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/
Private Sector membership and organisation
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
The POA at Manston
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.
The challenges of working in the Youth Custody Service (YCS)
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
New First Aid/Emergency First Aid standards explained
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.
Union victory on Fitness Tests, and what's happening at Wandsworth?
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 POA and political activity
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
Behind These Doors - in conversation with Alex South
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.
Transferring to F&S? Here are the facts
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.
Young Members and the POA
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
Dave Cook retrospective: 30 years of POA activism.
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
Why we need a Royal Commission into the Criminal Justice system
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
Conference review with Mark Fairhurst and Steve Gillan
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
Toolkit episode - the role and importance of Union Safety Representsatives
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
Behind the scenes with POA reps working in Secure Hospitals
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.
Four-legged friends: Dog-handlers, their dogs and the POA
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
Operational Support Grades
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
The anti-strike law and the POA, featuring Mark Fairhurst, National Chair.
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
What POA legal services can do for you - and a new way to access the service
Women's Networking Event - a review
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
POA's Employment Law services - a key membership benefit
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/
Sally Jameson - POA branch chair and parliamentary candidate
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
POA legal services - supporting members and their families
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
Immigration Crisis Special Edition
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
Legal services and union support if you are arrested
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.
Supporting women in the workplace
(https://www.poauk.org.uk/news-events/news-room/posts/2022/september/cic-081-supporting-women-in-the-workplace-workshop/)
A guide to the POA's legal services
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
The POA guide to Coroner's Court hearings
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
Working with and for members with disabilities
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 conference in review and why you should march on 18 June
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
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - its impact on Prison Officers and the support available
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 .
POA - working for gender equality and better diversity and inclusivity
In this POA podcast episode, we look at the union’s work on gender equality with four of the union’s leading female activists – AGS Angela Montgomery, NEC members Jackie Marshall and Sarah Rigby, and Branch chair Kirsteen Brown. They discuss planned moves, false advertising over flexible working, the importance of boundaries at work, the menopause and returning to work after maternity leave. All this takes place under the umbrella of the union’s EDI policy- equality, diversity and Inclusivity. DGS Joe Simpson joins Angela to set out what EDI is, and why it is important. More information at www.poauk.org.uk .
Menopause matters
The menopause is becoming a major issue on the bargaining agenda for all unions, including the POA. In this toolkit podcast, Nikki Pound who leads on this for the Trades Union Congress explains why this is happening, and POA NEC member Jackie Marshall talks about the specific challenges for the union - and what is being done to address them. This toolkit podcast accompanies the feature article in the April 2022 edition of Gatelodge. Find out more at www.poauk.org.uk
Health and Safety and You
Health and Safety is the focus of this episode of the POA podcast. Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson together with Assistant General Secretaries Mick Pimblett and Andy Baxter discuss the Health and Safety protocol with HMPPS that allows union members to respond to dangerous incidents without facing the possibility of being charged with inducing unlawful industrial action. There is also an in-depth look at Risk Assessments, the role of Union Safety Representatives and safety inspections, the importance of reporting “near miss” events, and the vital role of Regime Management Plans. Visit www.poauk.org.uk for more info.
The POA's Political Fund
POA General Secretary Steve Gillan and Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson discuss the POA political levy/fund, and the political campaign work that is done through the fund. More information at www.poauk.org.uk
Health, safety and maintaining resilience for Prison Officers
In this episode, Professor Gail Kinman talks us through her ground-breaking research into the true state of health and safety at work for Prison Officers. Her reports in 2014 and 2020 set out a stark picture of sub-standard arrangements. But exactly what needs to change? And what would we discover if Gail carried out a fresh survey today . You can read her reports in full here and here.
Also, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist Jenny Mills on how we all can identify the signs of work-related stress, and practical ideas and tips on how we can maintain personal resilience.
Visit www.poauk.org.ukfor more information on our work, and also how to join the union.
Govt White Paper "a missed opportunity" but high hopes for new "Safe Inside" Bill
In this episode, General Secretary Steve Gillan reports on why the Government’s recent White Paper on prisons strategy is a “missed opportunity.” Grahame Morris MP (Lab, Easington) tells us about his Prisons (Violence) Bill – aka the “Safe Inside” Bill – which has its Second Reading in Parliament on 25 February, and what all POA members can do to help it become law. (For more information on the White Paper, click here, and for the Safer Inside Bill, and how to lobby your MP, click here) www.poauk.org.uk
The Wandsworth Prison Museum - a tour of it's exhibits and stories with Stewart McLaughlin.
The Wandsworth Prison Museum is an Aladdin's Cave of documents, uniforms, displays, kit, memorabilia and artefacts - including the original lock and key to the jail. Our expert guide is the museum's founder, curator and long-standing POA member Stewart McLaughlin. What becomes clear is that the histories of the prison and of the POA itself are closely inter-twined. The past comes to life in this sparkling audio tour.
Feeling the benefit of POA membership
As a union of 30,000 members, the POA can use its purchasing power to get some really good deals for members, and to partner with people who really understand the work members do. This month's POA podcast talks to some of these service providers to understand what they are offering and where they're coming from. Do listen in - you may be surprised on both points! We hear from Tax Refund, Serve and Protect Credit Union, the Firefighters' charity, and Switch Lifestyle. More information at www.poauk.org.uk
Same But Different - POA across the UK's devolved administrations
The POA looks after its members whoever they work for and wherever they are located. This episode looks at the experiences of union members working across the UK's devolved administrations - Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. With contributions from Liz Saville-Roberts MP (PC, Dwyfor Meirionnydd), Scottish Justice Minister Keith Brown MSP (SNP, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane), POA officers Phil Fairlie (AGS Scotland), June Robinson (NI Area Secretary), Ivor Dunne (NI Regional Chair) and NEC members Sarah Rigby and Terry McCarthy
Finlay Spratt looks back on 30 years of POA service
In this episode former Northern Ireland Regional Chairman and Honorary Life Member Finlay Spratt looks back at his 30 years as a POA representative, together with area secretary June Robinson. Both have been awarded the MBE for their work which includes establishing the Northern Ireland Prison Service Trust in the years following the Good Friday Agreement.
Looking after members working in privatised prisons
Privatisation in the UK's criminal justice system arrived in the 1990s (The Wold becoming the first privately run prison in 1992), and there are currently 14 establishments and some other services run by companies like Sodexo, Serco, G4S and Mitie. In this episode, POA Assistant General Secretaries Andy Baxter, Angela Montgomery and Mick Pimblett discuss how the union organises in the privatised parts of the system, and the importance and unique value of POA membership for those groups of staff. Since recording, negotiations have concluded with Mitie, and union members have agreed a 2.2% pay increase. You can find out more at www.poauk.org.uk
Pension campaigns made clear
In the latest POA podcast, we get to grips with the various pensions issues that the union is campaigning on - the Alpha scheme, the new 2022 scheme, the McCloud ruling on discrimination, and Payment Plus are all capable of being complex and confusing. The General Secretary and senior officers are joined by pensions specialist lawyer Ivan Walker to demystify the situation, and give a clear update on the campaigns to resolve the issues associated with each part of the pension puzzle. This episode is brought to you in association with Serve and Protect Credit Union
68 is too late!
68 is too late is the POA campaign to lower the age - currently set at 68 - at which prison officers can draw their pension. Members of the National Executive Council (NEC) explain how this problem developed, why the campaign is so important for both union members and the prisoners in their care, and what POA reps and members can do to make the campaign a success. More information on the campaign is at https://www.poauk.org.uk/support/68-is-too-late/
POA social media upgrade trailer
Why is the POA upgrading its social media output? What are the union's hopes for the short videos and podcasts that have already started to appear? In this 12 minute trailer, the POA's senior officials and the people making the videos and podcasts talk about why this move isn't just a good thing to do, it's a necessary step in keeping the union strong and improving communications with members. Visit www.poauk.org.uk for more.