POA Circulars

The POA, as one of the 14 trade unions on the NHS Staff Council, has agreed that there will be a campaign to register our disappointment with the imposed pay increase by the Government and to garner support from our members to place pressure on the Government to negotiate a fair and sustainable pay settlement for future years. 

As part of our ongoing Campaign to have our Right to Strike Reinstated, the POA will shortly be distributing pre-printed postcards to all our members. The postcards contain a message to the Prime Minister urging him to Reinstate our Right to Strike.

The POA have previously circulated information that we support the above demonstration, and I am now writing to you again to encourage our members to be aware of and, where appropriate, support the upcoming “Together March” taking place in London on Saturday, 28^th March 2026.

Please find attached letter regarding the above which has been sent to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Prevention and protection from violence at work is a Health and Safety focus for the TUC this year, thanks to a push at Congress 2025.

Please find attached NEC minutes for the 25^th February 2026 for your information.

Following a full staff survey, various trials and talking to staff HMPPS have decided to move with the times and change the uniform.

This takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026. The POA have had a presence at the Gala for many years.

POA Circular 10/2026 outlined how Trade Union Political Funds will operate in England, Wales and Scotland and that there would be no change in Northern Ireland.

Please find enclosed a Workshop that you are invited to attend free of charge which, has been arranged by the POA in conjunction with Dr. Joanne Forsyth who is a supporter of POA members and has conducted research into the wellbeing of Prison Officers.