PR 276: RADEMAKER REPORT

The POA has claimed that the outcome of a Review into the levels of Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination and Victimisation within His Majesty’s Probation and Prison Service, vindicates the views and experiences of its members.

The Review was undertaken by The Ministry of Justice Non-Executive Director Jennifer Rademaker, to look at the organisational culture within HMPPS and has revealed systemic discrimination with black and disabled staff faring worst.

The Review makes a series of recommendations, which senior HMPPS Leaders have confirmed that they are going to implement in full. Key among these is a complete overhaul of the grievance and disciplinary process by the creation of a totally independent channel to handle complaints. The Review is also highly critical of the persistent failures by the department to implement their legal responsibilities in relation to staff with a recognised disability who require reasonable adjustments to enable them to undertake their duties. 

Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the POA stated:

“This comes as no surprise to us or our members. The Report confirms what our Prison Officer members say to us. For many years our members have been bringing motions to our Annual Conference seeking an independent disciplinary process and a fit for purpose grievance policy.

In the past we have seen cases where Prison Governors would rather argue that someone was not disabled than meet their equality obligations and grant reasonable adjustments.

The hard work begins here, the Report is the starting point that will require a change of culture, the POA stand ready to work constructively with HMPPS to bring about these changes.”

Mark Fairhurst, National Chair of the POA stated:

“The POA are vindicated, and this independent Report has confirmed the systemic issues that we have been highlighting to HMPPS consistently over the years. It is a shame that it takes an external independent professional to confirm what many staff who have suffered injustices, bullying, harassment and discrimination already knew. Things must change and we will hold the leaders of the service to account if this is yet another set of recommendations that gets left to gather dust. The bullies within senior ranks must be rooted out and dispensed of. All too often these tyrants get promoted or given project work. Staff must have faith in internal procedures and must be protected. My members have suffered enough.”

 

ENDS

 

 

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office                                                  020 8803 0255 Option 7