POA Circulars

The POA has recently completed a comprehensive survey of all members across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland regarding the issue of retirement age. Our colleagues in Scotland were ahead of us, having completed their survey earlier in the year.

The NEC have recently noted the increase in Article 2 Investigations in establishments. Article 2 investigations are inquiries triggered when the state may have failed to protect someone's right to life, as guaranteed under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all POA members.

It is with great sadness we report to the membership the death of former Assistant General Secretary, John Sutcliffe, who passed away on Thursday 23 October 2025.

On 24th October 2025 a prisoner was released in error from HMP Chelmsford. The NEC determined that we would not do any media interviews until such times as we understood what had happened.

Please find attached NEC minutes for the 24^th September 2025 for your information.

Please note the Women TUC Conference 2026 will be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from 4 – 6 March 2026 and not Congress House as stated in POA Circular 064/2025 dated 2 October 2025. Sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The POA are entitled to send 10 delegates to the Women’s TUC Conference which will be held at Congress House in London.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all POA members.

As the Employment Rights Bill completes its parliamentary journey, all eyes are on the Tory and Liberal Democrat amendments made to the Bill in the House of Lords.