Claim OwnershipThe POA podcast
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The podcast of the Prison Officers' Association UK
80 Episodes
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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.
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
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 .
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.
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 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.
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
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
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.
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
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 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/
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.
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 askthechair@poauk.org.uk . 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
The union’s long-running campaign to lower the retirementage for operational grades gets a new boost today (Wednesday). Following the recent members’ survey, to which there was over 3,000 responses, there is now a new chance to put the views of POA members directly to government. Click on the QR code in the members’ communication issued today to access automatically generated emails for you to send to the key government offices. GS Steve Gillan and AGS Andy Baxter explain what is happening and why – and why the union will simply not let this issue go. More info at poauk.org.uk
Drone incursions into airspace above prisons has risen sharply, meaning an increased supply of contraband and an increased level of danger for POA members. In this episode National Chair Mark Fairhurst discusses the steps being taken by the union to push back against the drones and their dangerous cargo. He also sets out the problems of the government’s current approach and the steps the union wants them to take - and describes what members and local reps can do to aid the campaign. More info at poauk.org.uk
In the first episode of a new POA podcast venture, national chair Mark Fairhurst takes questions from POA members and reps. The first Mark knows of the subject matter is when the question is read out to him on the show. This time round Mark is grilled on pensions, support for branch officers, changes to overseas’ nationals’ right to work in the UK and where his football loyalties lie. Members from Belmarsh to New Hall, Nottingham to Dumfries have their say - isn’t it time you had yours? Email your question to askthechair@poauk.org.uk
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