With reference to POA Circular 54/2025, the Consultative Committee has now been formed, and their first meeting took place on 12th and 13th January 2026.
Latest News
CIRC 002: NEC MINUTES
Please find attached NEC minutes for the 23rd December 2025 for your information.
Take part in a research initiative examining the implementation of structured risk assessment tools for violence or offending in mental health, forensic, and criminal justice contexts.
Professionals who use or oversee the use of such tools are invited to take part in a short (~30-minute), anonymous online survey. The goal is to better understand how risk assessment instruments are applied in practice around the world, including challenges, adaptations, and implementation processes.
POA CIRC 001: TUC LGBT+ CONFERENCE – 25TH - 26TH JUNE 2026 THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON METROPOLE, BRIGHTON
The POA are entitled to send 10 delegates to the TUC LGBT+ Conference which will be held at The Doubletree by Hilton Metropole, Brighton.
CIRC 089: NATIONAL CHAIR UPDATE DECEMBER 2025
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all POA members.
Action Zone
Take action on our 68 is too late campaign now - scan the QR code below
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.