POA have been looking into the above and have identified that there has been a discernible shift in practice with HMPPS more frequently pursuing internal investigations in parallel with ongoing police enquiries.
Latest News
CIRC 051: IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MEMBERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES
The POA have been asked to bring to the attention of any members who have previously served in the Armed Forces that an important deadline is approaching in relation to military hearing loss and tinnitus compensation claims.
CIRC 050: HMPPS WELLBEING SURVEY 2026 AND ANNUAL CONFERENCE MOTION 67/2022
On 22nd June 2026 HMPPS will launch its Wellbeing Survey, and it will remain open for three weeks. The survey will explore issues such as Health, Security, Environment, Relationships, Purpose, and Support Services.
PR 310: DRONE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS DO NOT GO FAR ENOUGH
The Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, has announced that he is investing an extra £35m to fund tougher physical barriers to prevent the conveyance of illicit items by drones in 17 of our most at-risk Prisons.
CIRC 049: RULES AND CONSTITUTION 2026
Please find attached a copy of the Rules and Constitution following Annual Conference 2026.
Action Zone
POA PROUD TO SPONSOR ‘SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD’ FOR THE WORLD CUP IN 2026
Take part in an international research initiative examining the implementation of structured risk assessment tools for violence or offending in mental health, forensic, and criminal justice contexts. Find out more here
Click here to start the survey: https://www.sfuiraise.com/
Opportunity to work in the Caribbean
Salterton Associates are forming a cadre of former UK Prison Officers to assist certain Caribbean Islands in times of emergency / natural disaster. Click here to find out more
Prison Officers’ Association - Advert to ex-prison staff
Did you work at Medomsley Detention Centre, or interact with anyone who did? The PPO needs to hear from you. Click here to read more
We can help
Need legal advice?
Visit the legal section for advice, details of who to contact, and to access legal forms
“The support from my union and Thompsons has been faultless. It’s reassuring to know that my family are now financially secure and we don’t have to worry about the cost of any treatment.”
Six-figure compensation awarded to Prison Officers’ Association member with lung cancer
Why join the POA?
We’ll support you when you have a problem at work and work to improve your Terms and Conditions. But that’s not all we’re about. Being a POA member also gives you access to a whole host of other benefits.
POA members gain from a wide range of benefits negotiated by your Union - with potential savings far above the cost of annual subscription! These are regularly updated and cover everything from lifestyle to health, motoring, technology, shopping, charity support, legal and financial. Here is a small sample:
- Health and wellbeing – savings, discounts, eyecare, counselling, rehabilitation services
- Legal Services – Personal Injury, Employment, Deaths in Custody, Will Writing
- Cars – breakdown cover, purchase discounts, hire, new and used vehicles
- Leisure and Travel – short breaks, holidays, car hire, travel insurance
- Financial Services – advisory services, savings and loans, cashbacks and discounts, help with difficulties, tax
- Insurance – Life Assurance, Income Protection, Vehicle and Home, Pet, Travel insurance
- Technology and Mobiles – group discount schemes
- Charities offering assistance to members – distress and hardship relief, money and debt problems, allowance and grants, confidential helpline
- Shop – food and household brands, goods and luxury items, payment cashback card, Blue Light discount card.
Representing over 30,000 Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers, the POA is the largest UK Union in this sector, able to trace its roots back more than 100 years.