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The General Secretary
NOMS, Market Testing and Privatisation The membership will be aware that through negotiations with the Prison Service and directly with the Home Secretary, Ministers and their advisors, the NEC have been able to change the mind of Government in regard to the market testing of the three prisons on the Isle of Sheppey. Whilst at the time of writing, the market test has been delayed until September to allow further work, we are convinced that by using the knowledge of our membership and the resolve of the Union we can win through. I once again would pay credit to my friends and colleagues on the Isle of Sheppey for their forthright and solid support of their members and the Union as a whole. This will not be overlooked. The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal The membership, regardless of their personal views, should celebrate Baroness Scotland’s announcement at Conference to award uniformed members of the Prison Service the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. As I said at Conference, I would wish to thank all the members who have worked hard in contacting their Members of Parliament, the Home Secretary and members of the Royal Household, to seek to secure this award for the Prison Service. In particular, I would place on record our thanks to Steve Johnson - Hull, Steve Edwards - Stafford, Gordon Pike - Barlinnie, Stewart McLaughlin - Wandsworth and David Orr - Maghaberry, members who just would not take NO for an answer. This is just the beginning of the overall campaign for the recognition of all POA members working in prisons, custodial centres and the NHS, all of whom go currently unrecognised for the difficult and dangerous jobs they carry out on behalf society. Now we must all campaign hard for true recognition. NHS - The Change Agenda Our Union will in the future need to address changes in the NHS. These changes not only affect the pay terms and conditions of NHS workers but also the way in which the NHS deals with mental and personality disordered offenders. The POA's knowledge, experience and ability in dealing with this group in our society must be drawn on if we are to tackle successfully this base of re offending. For Government or the NHS (including the major health unions) to ignore the POA would not only be an insult to the union, but a failure to engage the "true professionals". A Modern Trades Union The POA will become a modern trades union and a campaigning trades union. We will campaign for all the issues that matter to our members - for Trades Union Rights - for the end of privatisation in all its guises and for recognition both professionally and as a trades union, which we so richly deserve. With your help, understanding and, unity we will achieve our goals. Brian Caton
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