News Room

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).

The results of a survey of the UKs Prison Officers has called for immediate action to address the unjust retirement age of staff working in dangerous, overcrowded and understaffed jails across the UK. 

We have recently been in talks with HMPPS Health & Safety staff over the dates on the PPE which is used for cell removal.

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

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 ...

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.

Commenting on the statement made by David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Justice, Steve Gillan General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association said:

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.

“The issues highlighted at HMP Leeds are a prime example of the crisis our members are having to cope with across the Prison Estate.