Following a full staff survey, various trials and talking to staff HMPPS have decided to move with the times and change the uniform.
Latest News
PR 302: NHS EMPLOYERS MUST END POSTCODE LOTTERY ON FLEXIBLE WORKING
The POA as one of the 18 Trade Unions representing NHS workers, strongly support NHS Leaders making flexible working the norm to deliver better patient care and help resolve the staffing crisis.
PR 301: PRISON OFFICERS DEMAND SAME TREATMENT AS MPS
Prison Officers are demanding the same treatment as MPs when it comes to pay.
RE HONORARY LIFE MEMBER JOHN RENTON MBE FORMER GENERAL SECRETARY SPOA
It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the passing of our Honorary Life Member and former SPOA General Secretary, John Renton on 24th February 2026 at the age of 92.
CIRC 017: DURHAM MINERS GALA AND TOLPUDDLE FESTIVAL 2026
This takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026. The POA have had a presence at the Gala for many years.
Action Zone
Take action on our 68 is too late campaign now - scan the QR code below
Upcoming Workshop - Managing Stress AS A PRISON OFFICER
12th March 2026 - Practical tools for staying well in a demanding role, Free online workshop exclusively for POA members
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.
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.