Claim OwnershipThe POA podcast
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The podcast of the Prison Officers' Association UK
72 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.
General Secretary Steve Gillan reviews a successful Trades Union Congress for the union, and looks forward to the challenge and opportunity of his election to the TUC Presidency, including mobilising against Reform and the far right. TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell offers insights into the role and importance of the President. More information at poauk.org.uk
In this episode, we get the inside track on a great "win" for the union - 147 members at Gatwick IRC were found to have had their employment rights breached when the employer, Serco, imposed a pay deal in 2023 rather than continuing negotiations with the POA. Featuring Gatwick IRC Branch Secretary Heran Limbachia, Iain Birrell from Thomson's solicitors, GS Steve Gillan, DGS Mick Pimblett and National Chair Mark Fairhurst. More details at poauk.org.uk.
Since 2023, Chesterton Grant has been providing expert advice to union members on mortgages, pensions and estate planning – all subjects where a little help can make a big difference.Steve Wright leads for Chesterton Grant on pensions and estate planning, and Dave Rooney who is responsible for the company’s work on mortgages, set out why this should be of interest to many if not all POA members.More information poauk.org.uk/our-union/member-benefits/financial-services/
National Chair Mark Fairhurst reviews Labour's first year in office. What progress has been made on key POA concerns and what is left to be done? Spoiler alert - the dial has been turned in a positive direction, but there is still a long way to go. More information at poauk.org.uk
POA members will probably be familiar with POA Protect, the organisation that partners with the union to provide a wide range of members’ services and benefits. But how well doyou know what those services are and what benefit they could be not just to members but to their families too? In this episode Alison from POA Protect gives us the inside track on just what is available. You may be pleasantly surprised. More information here. Join the union at poauk.org.uk/join
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
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