News Room

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

Responding to the report from Independent Sentencing Review chaired by former Lord Chancellor, David Gauke, Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the POA said:

Recent statistics from the Prison Reform Trust Bromley Briefings show how prison safety has declined significantly over the last decade, with self-harm rates remaining at historically high levels and violence against both staff and prisoners continuing to rise.

Please find attached NEC minutes for the 23^rd April 2025 for your information.

Following the Special Delegates Conference in March 1996, the Executive informed delegates that they would be seeking "two candidates" nominated by branches to attend the TUC Conference annually.

It is with great sadness we report to the membership the death of Honorary Life Member Tony Freel, who passed away on Saturday 17 May 2025.

Responding to the speech made at the Prison Officers Association Conference by the Prisons Minister Lord Timpson, Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association said: 

An undercover journalist, from The Times, was hired at one of the country’s most dangerous jails and was then able to walk inside and interact with prisoners without security searches.

Watch the address by Gabriel Keaveny, Deputy General Secretary, POA Ireland.

Watch Mick Whelan, General Secretary ASLEF address Conference