POA SUPPORTING WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE WORKSHOP 19–21 NOVEMBER 2024

Jackie Marshall NEC reports on the 3rd POA Supporting Women in the Workplace Workshop

Following months of preparation, the start day of the third workshop finally arrived.

After a few notices, the workshop was officially opened. Unfortunately, Mark Fairhurst, POA National Chair, was unable to attend the opening of the workshop, but did send a video message to the delegates.

Steve Gillan, POA General Secretary, and Francis Stuart, Head of HMPPS Employee Relations, formally opened the workshop. Steve talked about why the workshops are important to him and how the POA will support women in the workplace to continue to drive change for the benefit of all.

Francis spoke about women across the service who had helped him through his career and why he supports this event from an employee-relations perspective. Both acknowledged the sad death of Joe Simpson. He had attended the previous two workshops and was an advocate for all gender-specific issues in the workplace.

Delegates of the workshop included members of all grades from both public and privately run prisons across the estate. Not all delegates were branch officials; the workshop was open to all female members. Also in attendance was Dawn Orchard, HMPPS Employee Relations. Unfortunately, Tracey Varela, HMPPS, was not able to attend, but she did join us via MS Teams.

A folder bursting with information was given to each delegate to take back to their establishments and use as a reference point going forward , so they can share information and raise awareness of the support channels available to them.

The packed agenda included the following speakers:

• Dawn Orchard, HMPPS Senior Employee Relations Manager. Dawn has attended all three workshops and discussed her role within the HMPPS Employee Relations team, and how the workshops have shaped work and policy changes since their beginning. She asked delegates to think of areas within the workplace that affect them as women and what could be done to change them. These will be shared with relevant departments. Dawn also gave an update on how previous workshops and issues that were raised have impacted on work that has been completed.
• Nikki Pound, TUC Women’s Policy Officer, Equality and Strategy Department
• Lorraine Emery, Thompson Solicitors
• Sandra Gold-Wood talked about the Canary Girls
• Kudsia Batool, TUC Head of Equalities, International and Strategic Governance, spoke about the ‘Far Right’
• Amy Rees, HMPPS Director General Chief Executive, told her personal story
• Sarah McKnight, HMPPS Championing Women in the Workplace
• Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of the Bakers, Food & Allied Workers Union, talked about her journey through the trade union movement
• Dr Louise Newson gave a menopause presentation via MS Teams
• Annette Mansell-Green, Director of Trade Union and Public Affairs at the British Diabetic Association and Chair of the TUC Women’s Committee, talked about her journey through the trade union movement
• Amy Froggatt, HMPPS National Lead for Disability Advocacy Wellbeing Network, told her personal story
• Tracey Varela presented, via MS Teams, on staff support and highlighted the range of support streams available, seeking a poll from delegates on awareness levels.

Other topics discussed over the three days included: paid and unpaid carers; menstrual health and access to period products at work; women in the POA; the role of local committees; motions for conference (POA and Women’s TUC); sexual harassment; and training.

As usual, some of the stories from the delegates were hard to hear and demonstrated that there is so much more to be done to support women in the workplace.

Unfortunately, we were not surprised to hear that period products are still not available in all establishments, with responses of ‘they’re only in the admin block’; ‘there’s only one packet’; and ‘there’s a note to say if you use one replace it’. The guidance is clear; governors haven’t been given a choice, it’s not optional, they are to be available in all female, accessible and gender-neutral toilets. There must be tampons with and without applicators, sanitary pads with and without wings, all covering at least two flow rates (including a heavier rate). Please check your loos; if they’re not there, speak to your committee; if your governor isn’t listening then contact your NEC rep.

Issues raised at the workshop will be taken forward by the POA, employee relations and HR.

Each year during the workshop, the delegates raise money for a charity. This year, two great causes were chosen:

BLOODY GOOD PERIOD

• Provides free period products to people in poverty, refugees, asylum seekers, and others who are displaced
• Offers menstrual education to people who are less likely to have access to it
• Works to help people talk about periods
• Works to create a society that is more equitable for people who menstruate.

THE CANARY GIRLS MEMORIAL PROJECT

• A campaign that hopes to honour the so-called Canary Girls, who risked life and limb to supply ammunition to the frontline.

A massive thank you to the Prison Service Charity Fund (PSCF) and the POA Welfare Fund, which again donated to our causes. Bloody Good Period received £1,229, made up of £500 from the PSCF, £324 raised by delegates, £81 gift aid and £324 match funds. The Canary Girl Memorial Project received £824, made up of £324 raised by delegates and £500 from the POA Welfare Fund.

Delegates from all three workshops have been sent an evaluation survey to gather feedback and develop future events.

Please contact Jackie.marshall@poauk.org.uk if you would like more information on these events.

Further advice regarding HMPPS-recognised trade unions and processes for engagement, consultation and negotiation is available through the Employee Relations team and intranet site, also at EmployeeRelations@justice.gov.uk. The HMPPS Employee Relations team is keen to promote the importance of meaningful engagement with all our recognised trade unions on matters that impact on staff, and to support managers and departments in doing this effectively.

 

 

TESTIMONIALS

I have really enjoyed taking part in the Women in the Workplace Workshop.

I was unsure what to expect from the workshop; however, I have gained so much knowledge and confidence in issues relating to women, and feel more confident in helping and advising women when returning to my establishment as a Branch Official.

Vikki Weddell, HMP Durham

A very useful workshop, enabling me to network, learn and contribute to make my workplace better for our female staff. It is a good place to hear other establishments’ experiences and gain advice in a confidential, but open and honest group of women.

Julie Glover, HMP Hatfield

Attending the Supporting Women in the Workplace Workshop has been an enlightening experience. It’s empowering as a woman to know there are so many individuals from different trades areas supporting us. I’m excited to return to work feeling well conversed to contribute more and help others.

Kelly England, HMP Five Wells

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for organising the Supporting Women in the Workplace workshop, and for giving me the opportunity to attend. The event was both insightful and inspiring, and I am truly grateful for the chance to participate.

The guest speakers shared invaluable perspectives on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the workplace. Their experiences and advice provided me with a deeper understanding of the support structures needed to promote inclusivity and equality within our own environment at HMP Liverpool. I found the discussions on issues such as carers, disability, menopause, and baby loss particularly meaningful, leaving me motivated and equipped with new ideas to address gender-specific concerns within our membership.

Moving forward, I am committed to applying the knowledge gained to foster a more inclusive environment for all our colleagues. As the only female member of our committee, I plan to work closely with our committee to implement some of the best practices shared, such as advocating for flexible work arrangements, promoting staff-support networks, and supporting career and wellbeing initiatives for women.

Thank you once again for this invaluable opportunity and for your dedication to advancing gender equality in our workplace. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts within our union and beyond.

Debbie Farrell-McDermott, HMP Liverpool