CIRC 027: ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY POSITION

The above position was advertised externally and internally. Prior to the interview process Andy Baxter Assistant General Secretary made it known to me that he intends to retire late 2026. The NEC determined that rather than go out next year with another advertisement, we would have a merits list with those who were shortlisted for interviews. 

The process has now been completed, and I would like to place on record my gratitude to Mick Pimblett Deputy General Secretary, Dave Todd Vice Chair and Gawain Little General Secretary of the General Federation Trade Unions as the panel members overseeing the process. For complete transparency we had the GMB representative present as part of the recognised union for POA staff at each interview to ensure there was no favouritism given to any of the candidates. 

There was a very high calibre of internal and external candidates and Terry McCarthy was successful and will take up post as Assistant General Secretary once he has worked his notice with the prison service. Sarah Rigby was also successful on the merits list and will commence as an Assistant General Secretary early 2026. 

I offer congratulations to both and look forward to working with them in their new roles. The other candidates who were not successful should be proud of themselves as they all demonstrated great knowledge and passion for the POA. 

Clearly this will have a knock-on effect with elections for NEC members and to save the POA money I will be holding the elections for 2 NEC members along with the election for National Chair as soon as possible after Conference. Details of that election will be promulgated to the membership in a separate Circular outlining the timetable. 

Please bring this Circular to the attention of the membership. 

Yours sincerely 

STEVE GILLAN 
General Secretary