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The podcast of the Prison Officers' Association UK

  1. The 2025 Women's event

    FEB 4

    The 2025 Women's event

    The Women’s networking event is now a firm fixture in the POA calendar, but what goes into making the event so popular and successful?  NEC member Jackie Marshall gives us the inside track on last November’s gathering, and Dawn Orchard explains why HMPPS employee relations are supportive of the initiative. We also get views from two first-time attendees, Patience and Rhonda. If you’re curious but uncertain whether or not to get involved, everyone has encouraging and supportive words for you! For details of all POA activity, visit poauk.org.uk

    17 min

  2. JAN 5

    POA members' survey - the results

    National Chair Mark Fairhurst discusses the results of the2025 POA members’ survey, highlighting the mismatch between what respondents are saying to the union, and the picture painted by the MoJ’s own survey work.  He also sets out why maximum involvement by members is so important in making sure the employer has a clear view direct from front line.  More information at poauk.org.uk

    12 min
  3. Ask The Chair 2

    12/16/2025

    Ask The Chair 2

    Ask The Chair gives POA members and reps the chance to ask National Chair Mark Fairhurst……anything! (and he doesn’t see the questions before-hand). In this episode, questions come from Preston to London, and covers subjectslike emergency response teams in the high security estate, the challenge of Iron Man competitions and whether Everton can get the better of Liverpool in. this season’s Premier League. Got a question? Email askthechair@poauk.org.uk . Visit poauk.org.uk for more info.

    19 min

  4. 11/28/2025

    The POA and the Tolpuddle Martyrs

    The Tolpuddle Martyrs festival takes palce each July and isa form fixture in the POA calendar.  In this episode we hear about the origins of the festival, why it lies close to the heart of the union, and how the union’s involvement has changed and grown over the years.  We also hear from Tyler and Mark, two lay POA reps, on their impressions of the festival.  It’s fair to say that it’s not at all what they expected. More details on the Festival at their website and of course from poauk.org.uk

    14 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    68 is too late - important campaign update

    The union’s long-running campaign to lower the retirementage for operational grades gets a new boost today (Wednesday).  Following the recent members’ survey, to which there was over 3,000 responses, there is now a new chance to put the views of POA members directly to government.  Click on the QR code in the members’ communication issued today to access automatically generated emails for you to send to the key government offices.  GS Steve Gillan and AGS Andy Baxter explain what is happening and why – and why the union will simply not let this issue go.  More info at poauk.org.uk

    9 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    Drones and how we stop them

    Drone incursions into airspace above prisons has risen sharply, meaning an increased supply of contraband and an increased level of danger for POA members.  In this episode National Chair Mark Fairhurst discusses the steps being taken by the union to push back against the drones and their dangerous cargo.  He also sets out the problems of the government’s current approach and the steps the union wants them to take - and describes what members and local reps can do to aid the campaign.  More info at poauk.org.uk

    11 min
  7. Ask The Chair

    10/23/2025

    Ask The Chair

    In the first episode of a new POA podcast venture, national chair Mark Fairhurst takes questions from POA members and reps. The first Mark knows of the subject matter is when the question is read out to him on the show. This time round Mark is grilled on pensions, support for branch officers, changes to overseas’ nationals’ right to work in the UK and where his football loyalties lie. Members from Belmarsh to New Hall, Nottingham to Dumfries have their say - isn’t it time you had yours? Email your question to askthechair@poauk.org.uk

    15 min
  8. Pay 2026 update

    10/14/2025

    Pay 2026 update

    In the latest POA podcast, National Chair Mark Fairhurst sets out the process for submitting and securing the union's pay claim through the Prison Service Pay Review Body. Mark decries the deficiencies in the employer's approach and the jeopardy facing approximately 2000 officers affected by the government's changes to the level of income needed to remain in the UK as a working overseas national. More details at poauk.org.uk.

    12 min
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About

The podcast of the Prison Officers' Association UK

Information

  • Creator
    POA Podcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © POA Podcast
  • Show Website
    The POA podcast