Scotland

I want to extend my sincere thanks to all of you for your continued support and for the trust you’ve placed in me.

Circ/01/2026 was issued on the 28^{th of} January 2026, inviting candidates for the post of SNC Chair. Following the closing date of 26^th February 2026, we had received only one name seeking to stand for the post.

It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the passing of our Honorary Life Member and former SPOA General Secretary, John Renton on 24^th February 2026 at the age of 92.

Following the issuing of Branch Circular 10/2026 relating to the political levy, we have received several enquiries seeking clarification.

The union representing Scotland’s 3500 Prison Officers is calling on the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary election to be a turning point for Scotland’s crisis hit prison system. 

Please see attached the POA Scotland Conference Report - Day 1

We have just returned from our annual conference last week in Peebles, and it was a very successful and interesting event, with an agenda of 106 motions to debate and form policy on.

A stark new report published today by the Prison Officers’ Association, the union representing Scotland’s 4000 front line Prison Staff, has laid bare the reality of working in the country’s overcrowded and understaffed prison estate.  “Crisis Point Reached - The Pressures Facing Scotland’s Prison Officers uncovered” draws on the experience and testimony of Prison Officers work ...

With it being just over 2 weeks until Scottish conference, I am just writing to gently remind everyone of the collection for the Trussell Trust foodbank event taking place again this year. 

Overcrowding is the biggest issue in Scotland's prisons, the prison officers' union has said...