News Room

Given recent events surrounding member applications and outcomes through the capability process we are looking to compile a data collection of information that allows us to keep track of how cases are being managed and adjudicated on through the SPS process.

It is with great sadness that we report to the membership the death of our good friend and Honorary Life Member Jim Smyth, who sadly passed away on 1^st December 2022.

Please find attached the Certificate of Result from Civica Election Services, formerly known as Electoral Reform Services (ERS).

Watch Mark Fairhurst on Sky News regarding Operation Safeguard

On Wednesday 30^th November, Prisons Minister Damian Hinds, announced to Parliament that due to an "acute and sudden increase in the prison population" in recent months the Operation Safeguard contingency plan had been launched for the first time since 2007.

At the POA Annual Conference in Eastbourne 2022 delegates endorsed a Conference Paper titled TUC Anti-Racism Action Plan to ensure our own Rules and Constitution and staff handbook internally are very clear that Race Discrimination is an issue that will not be tolerated within our own union or respective workplaces.

The POA at its Conference in Eastbourne 2022 determined that in line with the TUC Sexual Harassment task force the POA would update its policies in its staff handbook and indeed in our Rules and Constitution to protect our members in their respective workplaces.

If you pay tax, there’s a fairly high chance you’ve paid too much.

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

Please find attached NEC minutes for the 9^th November 2022 for your information.