poa gatelodge april 2011

BUDGET CUTS

The POA Members’ MagazineThe Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers

April 2011

WHITEHALL RALLY

FAREWELL“I wish all POA members good luck for the future” Colin Moses National Chairman

01 Cover.indd 1 5/4/11 16:46:29

If you have an accident at work you may bein for a further blow: the costs.Medications, travel to get treatments, home

modifications and lost overtime can soon costyou a not so small fortune.Ruth Hart (above) suffered excruciating pain

after accidental knee damage.Says Ruth: “I have never fully recovered.

I became very angry about what had happenedto me. So I contacted a firm of solicitors I hadseen advertising about personal injury claimson TV.At first, they advised me that I might get

£5,000. But later said they didn’t think I had acase... I was still very angry.”

Then Ruth was introduced to Thompsons.“The whole experience…was completely

different to the other solicitors. I’m over themoon with the settlement and I didn’t have togo to court.”The POA has appointed Thompsons

Solicitors, the most experienced personal injurylaw firm in the UK, to act for its members inpursuing compensation claims.This service is FREE and you will keep 100%

of the compensation.Should you need to talk to Thompsons, now

or in the future, simply contact your branchofficial,or call:

Injured?An apology won’t pay the bills,

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regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

0800 587 7515

2059 - TP214 POA ad:whisper-cc.com 19/1/10 12:29 Page 1

thomsons.indd 1 24/3/11 12:20:38

Gatelodge is published every other month

by the POA. It is circulated free to all

members of the Union and is available on

general subscription. The views expressed

in the magazine are not necessarily those

of the Editor or the National Executive

Committee. The Union does not accept

responsibility for any statements made or

opinions expressed in any of the articles,

papers, correspondence or reports

published in the magazine.

Subscription Rates: Non-members £15.00 Overseas £20.00

Editor: Glyn Travis

Sub Editor: Nicky Rogers

Editorial Board: Colin Moses, Glyn Travis,

Steve Gillan, Pete Chapple, Steve Bostock

Editorial Offi ce: POA HQ, Cronin House,

245 Church Street, London N9 9HW

Tel: 0208 803 0255 Fax: 0208 803 1761

Email: [email protected]

Editorial: Contributors to the magazine are

requested to send material for the June 2011

issue by 8th May.

Editorial DesignHelen Mackenzie

AdvertisingPublisherJuliet Loiselle 01778 391067

e-mail: [email protected]

Production Co-ordinator Sue Woodgates 01778 392062

e-mail: [email protected]

Advertising Design Delevopment Design

Publishers & Printers Warners Group Publications plc,

The Maltings, West Street,

Bourne, PE10 9PH.

Tel: 01778 393313 Fax: 01778 394748

Dear ReaderWelcome to the April issue of Gatelodge, which contains the Union’s accounts and annual conference motions which will be debated at local level and subject to a determination in May at Southport. It is vital that you look at the accounts and motions remember it is the membership’s money which keeps the Union afl oat and your motions that set out the policies for the POA. Have your say at the branch meeting.

I was not disappointed or surprised to receive the motion from Latchmere House calling for a vote of censure on the editorial committee for asking branches to limit their branch news contributions to 500 words, something we have been pressing for. Still, I am sure this is one the burning issues we all face. I look forward to the debate.

The editorial team is committed to improving Gatelodge magazine and will continue to do so, even if some people feel they are being censored.

Again the contributions from the SNC, Phil Farlie and everyone in Scotland have demonstrated that we can bring about improvements if we all work together and learn from our mistakes.

This issue contains a number of key reports which will be helpful to the membership and it will contain the last Chairman’s column from Colin Moses. Colin will be missed as National Chairman and I wish him well whatever he decides to do. I also look forward to the contributions from Peter McParlin who takes up the mantle after conference.

Again, there have been lots of incidents in prisons but sadly the NEC are not being made aware of these at the time or even after the event, this needs to change if we are to change public opinion on prisons and secure health care settings.

I again ask you all to use the pages of the magazine and visit the website at www.poauk.org.uk

as part of the communication strategy. We need MPs to be aware of the real issues and force them to visit prisons in their constituency.

Prison worksWe know that prison works but we must convince those in power and the public. During the past few weeks we have read reports about the armed forces being prepared to enter our prisons should we decide to take industrial action. I have been advised of desk top exercises being conducted in a number of prisons as Governors test their contingency plans. What a waste of public money. Surely the Government would be wise to spend that money protecting the health and safety of its workers, fully staffi ng prisons and not treating front line staff as a cheap punch bag.

I repeat that it is vital that your achievements are reported to politicians and the public.

Protecting individualsand the UnionOnce again I have been forced to edit (not censor) jottings due to comments which can be perceived as inappropriate and which give ammunition to the employer to attack the Union and seek out individuals. The content of jottings are submitted on behalf of the branch and should refl ect the views of all members. It appears some members are taking great off ence at the comments and we need to protect individuals as well as the Union.

Finally, I would like to thank Carol for her eff orts in the production and distribution of the POA’s offi cial journal.

Yours sincerelyGlyn Travis

WHAT’S INSIDENational Chairman 4

General Secretary 6

General Matters 8

North of the Border 22

Strictly Private 26

POA Financial Statements 27

Conference Motions 40

Welfare Fund Financial Statements 46

POA Learning 58

Branch News 60

Postbag 68

Sports Scene 72

Thompsons 74

Healthcare Matters 76

CONTENTS

Yours sincerely

WELCOME

www.poauk.org.uk April 2011 3

3 Contents.indd 1 28/3/11 13:58:34

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

4 April 2011 www.poauk.org.uk

I was re-elected for a second term in May 2006 and as such I have served a total of nine years as

National Chairman. In the history of the POA there is only one other person who has served an equal length of time as National Chairman.

On the 30th November 2010 the membership ended my term of offi ce as National Chairman, when I was unsuccessful in seeking re-election by a total of 84 votes, others will judge how successful I have been in my terms of offi ce.

Strong leadershipIt has been a privilege and honour to lead the POA during some diffi cult and challenging times. I led the only national strike in the history of the POA in August 2007, a decision that was right and proper at the time. And the Union also threatened to take action to protect our members’ safety in Northern Ireland, as the employer and Government refused to provide Key Personal Protection to their employees and families in an attempt to save money. Both of these decisions demanded and needed strong leadership - something I provided.

84 AND OUTOn the 8th August 2002, I was elected asNational Chairman of the POA for the fi rst timeafter serving on the National Executive Committee from 1996 – 2002.

During my time in offi ce, I have always put the POA and the professional men and women we represent at the forefront of the criminal justice system.

I have always highlighted the dangerous and demanding work performed by POA members throughout the United Kingdom in an attempt to raise public awareness.

Our political masters from 1997 – 2010 were New Labour. Whilst in opposition they made many false promises to this Union and in Government, they used the Courts on more occasions than any previous Government in attempt to smash the POA.

My task was to lead the NEC and challenge New Labour in its use of the Courts and protect the Union, its funds and of course the terms and conditions of the members.

In my role as Chairman I have had many face-to-face meetings with leading members of New Labour, such as Jack Straw, David Blunkett, Charles Clarke and John Reid. All of these politicians have served either as Home Secretaries or Justice Ministers in New Labour.

I also had to do business with over a dozen Prisons Ministers in my time on the NEC and as National Chairman.

Charles ClarkeThe best Home Secretary under New Labour in my opinion was Charles Clarke. He was prepared to negotiate with us in regards to the Isle of Sheppey prisons (HMP Swaleside, HMP Elmley and HMP Standford Hill) and as a result, these prisons stayed in the public sector. While he was Prisons Minister, Mr Paul Goggins was another politician who dealt with this Union in a fair and honourable fashion. Others may have diff erent views, but I can only speak for myself.

During the last fi fteen years I have served this Union in a national capacity as an NEC member with responsibility for the South West and later the North East and the High Security Estate, as well as my time as National Chairman. These have been the most fulfi lling times in my working life and I feel proud to have been given this privilege by the POA membership.

Support and friendshipIn my time in offi ce I have visited every prison in the United Kingdom. As National Chairman, I have worked closely with two General Secretaries, Mr Brian Caton and Mr Steve Gillan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their support and friendship.

I have worked with many NEC in the last fi fteen years, all of whom have worked tirelessly to serve this Union. It would be unfair to name any individual of this group, but I would like to thank each and every one of them for their support and assistance through some dark and diffi cult times.

This Union could not operate on a daily basis without our professional and dedicated support staff in Cronin House, Linden House, Castell House and Calder Road. I would like to thank each and every one of them for their support.

The POA also needs the dedication and work ethos of the Assistant Secretaries who during my time on the Executive have always provided a good professional service.

The Union would also fail to operate without the SNC, Area Committee in Northern Ireland and Special Hospitals.

The membership put me in place and by a majority of 84 the membership removed me from offi ce. I wish the Union well in the future and I congratulate my successor, Mr Pete McParlin, and wish him and the POA much success in the battles ahead.

It has been a privilege and honour to lead

the POA during some diffi cult and challenging times

In my time in offi ce I have visited every

prison in theUnited Kingdom

4-5 Nat Chair comment.indd 4 24/3/11 10:00:42

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN


Colin Moses and hissecretary Paula Larwill

Davy Melrose, Colin Moses and Finlay Spratt

Colin Moses and Senior Offi ce Administrator Angela Sinclair

Colin Moses and Glyn Travis

Colin Moses, Steve Gillan and Brian Caton

4-5 Nat Chair comment.indd 5 1/4/11 16:17:34

GENERAL SECRETARY


THE REHABILITATION REVOLUTION

The POA has given a balanced view and tried to be positive in relation to some of the Green

Paper in its response.Within the Green Paper, there is a vision

from Kenneth Clarke about making prisoners work for 40 hours per week and that some of the wage should be given to victims. He announced this to cheers from the Tory faithful at last year’s Conservative Party Conference, but did not expand on the detail. Some would argue that this was just a cheap headline to show how tough he was on criminals or was there some merit in what he was suggesting?

In an ideal world, I can understand why Mr Clarke would want this and why it, might appeal to the British public, rather than seeing prisoners playing pool, darts or cards.

However, it is not that simple for a yes/no debate on whether prisoners should work a 40 hour week, it is extremely diffi cult. For a start the prospect of prisoners working a40 hour week cannot be matched by prison staff presently working an average of 39 hours.

ComplianceIt would also be riddled with problems such as being compliant with health and safety regulations, taxation and the Inland Revenue. There is the moral aspect and potential legalities of private fi rms laying off a workforce and then taking on prisoners for minimum wage. Space would also be a problem, as would the reduction in the core day. Very few prisons have the space to have factories or

warehouses. Many jobs for prisoners exist in prisons, for example cleaners, orderlies and kitchen workers to name a few, would they also be entitled to minimum wage? If so where does that extra fi nance come from at a time when the Coalition Government is dramatically reducing spending in the Ministry of Justice?

This is nothing new; announcements like this were made in the past by Michael Howard. They did not work in the early 1990s and I am sceptical that they will work now.

However, I am not going to rubbish the view of Kenneth Clarke in respect of this. As indicated, the POA has produced its views, which are contained in our response to the Consultation of the Green Paper titled “Eff ective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Off enders”. The Consultation ended on 4th March 2011.

Focus on training and educationThe POA has identifi ed the problems and I believe it is ambitious and just a quick headline for Kenneth Clarke. Rather than focusing on work, perhaps the focus should be more on training and education to ensure that off enders are given the skills to ensure that they are employable when they leave prison. Consequently, perhaps they will be able to hold a full time job on release, rather than assisting private companies in making profi ts from paying minimum wage, whilst these prisoners are in prison.

There is not enough detail for me to support the view of Kenneth Clarke at this time in respect of this initiative, so I would have to err on the side of caution and state that his plans will not work.

Rehabilitation of offenders However, I am in favour of rehabilitation of off enders and protection of the general public from crime and the eff ects of criminality. The POA has been clear, that we will support any Government to reduce crime, but until the real issues such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse,

mental illness, social exclusion and education are tackled, then politicians of all parties are not eff ectively dealing with the problems.

Dealing eff ectively with these issues will see our prison population fall and perhaps there will be no need to debate whether prisoners should be working whilst incarcerated. I fear these issues will be ignored because there is no investment.

Steve GillanGeneral Secretary

During the announcement of the Rehabilitation Revolution Green Paper, the Justice Minister’s Kenneth Clarke and Crispin Blunt were getting pelters from the media for being soft on crime.

2

1. Reform of sentencing and penalties• Ensure that the justice system protects the public and reduces reoffending by introducing more effective

sentencing policies and considering the use of restorative justice for adult and youth crimes

2. Rehabilitation revolution• Establish an offender management system that harnesses the innovation of the private and voluntary

sectors, including options for using payment by results, to cut reoffending

3. Courts and legal aid• Reform the legal aid system to make it work more efficiently, whilst protecting the most vulnerable

members of society. Develop court reforms to determine how disputes should be resolved, based on principles of transparency, decentralisation and accountability

4. Reform of the prison estate• Review the prison estate’s contribution to rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, developing a

sustainable and cost-effective prison capacity strategy as part of the Spending Review

5. Civil liberties• Contribute to a full programme of measures to reverse the erosion of civil liberties and to roll back state

intrusion

Departmental priorities

Ministry of Justice��Structural Reform Plan

July 2010


July 2010

6-7 Gen Sec.indd 6 28/3/11 13:59:41

1

Structural Reform Plans are the key tool of the Coalition Government for making departments accountable for the implementation of the reforms set out in the Coalition Agreement. They replace the old, top-down systems of targets and central micromanagement.

The reforms set out in each department’s SRP are designed to turn government on its head, taking power away from Whitehall and putting it into the hands of people and communities. Once these reforms are in place, people themselves will have the power to improve our country and our public services, through the mechanisms of local democratic accountability, competition, choice, and social action.

T are consistent with and form part of the the Spending Review. All departmental spending is

ew.

W i f th timescales for delivering all legislative essures on Parliamentary time.

Structural Reform Plans

THE REHABILITATION REVOLUTION

Gatelodge April 2011 7

n

ti

2

1. Reform of sentencing and penalties• Ensure that the justice system protects the public and reduces reoffending by introducing more effective

sentencing policies and considering the use of restorative justice for adult and youth crimes

2. Rehabilitation revolution• Establish an offender management system that harnesses the innovation of the private and voluntary

sectors, including options for using payment by results, to cut reoffending

3. Courts and legal aid• Reform the legal aid system to make it work more efficiently, whilst protecting the most vulnerable

members of society. Develop court reforms to determine how disputes should be resolved, based on principles of transparency, decentralisation and accountability

4. Reform of the prison estate• Review the prison estate’s contribution to rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, developing a

sustainable and cost-effective prison capacity strategy as part of the Spending Review

5. Civil liberties• Contribute to a full programme of measures to reverse the erosion of civil liberties and to roll back state

intrusion

Departmental priorities


July 2010


July 2010

reforms to determine how disputes should be resolved, based on

reducing reoffending, developing a part of the Spending Review

asures to reverse the erosion of civil liberties and to roll back state

3

ACTIONS Start End1.1 Conduct a full examination of sentencing policy to ensure that it helps to cut crime,

protects the public, punishes offenders and reduces reoffending. In particular, ensure that sentencing for drug use helps offenders come off drugsi. Develop reform options for the sentencing framework that covers the full range Jun 2010 Oct 2010

of penalties and restorative measures in adult and youth sentencingii. Consult on sentencing reforms as part of a rehabilitation Green Paper (see priority 2) Nov 2010 Feb 2011iii. Develop detailed options for sentencing reform as part of the Government’s response Mar 2011 Nov 2011

to the rehabilitation Green Paper consultationiv. Introduce legislation on sentencing in the second session of Parliament Nov 2011 Nov 2012

1.2 Implement the Prisoners’ Earnings Act 1996 to allow prison governors to deduct from Jun 2010 Jun 2011prisoners’ earnings and transfer the money into the Victims’ Fund

1.3 Develop proposals to use proceeds from the Victim Surcharge to fund rape crisis Jun 2010 Mar 2011centres

1.4 Develop options so that historical convictions for consensual gay sex with over-16s Jun 2010 Dec 2010will be treated as spent and will not show up on criminal record checks

Ensure that the justice system protects the public and reduces reoffending by introducing more effective sentencing policies and considering the use of restorative justice for adult and youth crimes

1. Reform of sentencing and penalties

MILESTONESA. Sentencing proposals published in Green Paper on rehabilitation Nov 2010B. Proposals announced on using the Victims Surcharge to fund rape crisis centres Mar 2011C. Prison governors start to deduct from prisoners’ earnings Jun 2011D. Legislation on sentencing introduced Nov 2011

GENERAL SECRETARY

6-7 Gen Sec.indd 7 1/4/11 16:18:05

GENERAL MATTERS


Personal historyBefore joining the prison service in the early 1980s my knowledge of prisons and prison life was minimal. The work of prison officers and a career in the service had never been discussed at school, whereas the work of the police, fire-fighters, armed forces and the NHS was high on the school curriculum as I began my last year. This appears to remain the position today.

I lived my entire childhood on a council estate. It was common practice for everyone to leave the doors open and no one seemed concerned about crime. Although, whilst growing up I had known people who had gone to prison for petty crimes and I knew a family whose eldest son had committed murder not far from where I lived. So perhaps everyone was a little too trustworthy in those days. The same can’t be said today.

I do remember the impact the murder had on the community at the time, it was immense, and to this day the lives of the family who lost a sister and daughter have never recovered.

After leaving school at 16, I took up an apprenticeship in engineering and worked as a blacksmith until recession forced the company to close and I was made redundant. Having never been unemployed I looked around for work and was fortunate enough to obtain a job for a company installing external lighting in HMP Liverpool. This was a real eye-opener and gave me an insight into prison life and prison officers encouraged me to apply to the service.

Previous prison experiences Having passed the prison service training course, I was posted back to Liverpool where I completed the first two weeks of training. Not to be critical of today’s training I must say the programme I went through certainly prepared me for prison life.

At the time, prison officers were working an average 65 hour week and every cell had at least two prisoners. Slopping out was the start of a prisoner’s day but also the start of an officer’s working day. An experience I am pleased is long gone from prison life.

The regime at Liverpool was fairly good considering we were holding an average mix of around two thousand convicted adults, young prisoners and remands. There was limited education, exercise, workshops, gym, association, weekly shower and kit exchange, religious services, canteen and monthly visits. The general atmosphere in the prison was good with healthy banter between staff and prisoners a daily occurrence. On the down side alarm bells were common, as were assaults, self-harming, suicides, bullying and drugs. All of these are still common in today’s prisons.

I will never forget my first encounter of a prisoner taking his own life and trying to come to terms with the reality of the situation. Something many prison staff have to deal with on a regular basis.

I was in the service during the 1990s when we experienced the Manchester riots. I was in attendance throughout as part of the mutual aid. At the time, there were many other riots as prisoners did what they are best at; copy-catting each other. In a strange way, the Manchester riot and subsequent report from Lord Woolfe changed the service for the better. What was clear was that as a result of Fresh Start in 1987, staffing shortfalls were all too regular in prisons and in my opinion this was one of the main contributing factors to the riots in the early 1990s.

We must be careful, because if this Government continues on the road to cost cutting and staffing is reduced, the riots of the 1990s are inevitable again.

During my service I forged good professional relationships with thousands of prisoners. If prison officers cannot strive to achieve this, the day-to-day work of prison staff would be unsustainable. I often wonder why other organisations criticise officers for the work they do and demand they call prisoners Mr. for example. Is this what the general public expects?

It is a reality that there are habitual criminals, people who will make a living out of crime because prison holds no fear for them. However, that does not mean prison does not work, quite the opposite is true.

DOES PRISON WORK?Glyn Travis, Assistant Secretary of the POA gives his opinion on why prison works.

8-9 Does prison work.indd 8 28/3/11 14:02:39

GENERAL MATTERS


DOES PRISON WORK?

If a repeat offender is in prison the public is safe!

I will never try to justify the prison system or the sentencing policy of the Government. I do believe the public deserves to be protected and prisoners need to be supported while in prison. All too often during my service I have witnessed the devastation when the service failed. This subsequently added to the immense cost of individuals, families and the tax payer.

The country needs prisons to deal with and manage those that society can no longer trust.

The public perception of prisonWhilst to my knowledge there has never been any real research conducted on the public’s perception of prison life, it appears the vast majority believe life behind bars is too cushy these days.

The headline grabbers of the daily tabloids portray prison life as breakfast in bed with Sky television, three meals a day, Play Stations, fully fitted gyms and the most well equipped classrooms in the education system.

When I have sought the general public’s opinion to ascertain a straw poll on life in prisons the general consensus is “it is too easy and a return to harsh regimes is needed”.

The public outcry when an infamous prisoner is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons demonstrates that the general public is interested in prisons.

Does prison work?In my opinion prison does work on a number of fronts. It fails on others but the positives far outweigh the negatives. We should not forget that the vast majority of offenders have already been through our education system and had the support of many other organisations but still managed to turn to crime. Prisons are not the cause of criminal activities but must play more of a pivotal role that society requires if we are to have a safer country.• The public is safe when a person is sent to

prison, simply because they can no longer impose themselves on society

• Prison works for the victims or the family and friends who have suffered as a result of a serious crime. The custodial sentence gives some sort of justice. It helps prisoners to understand that there is a consequence to their actions

• Prison works because it helps prisoners learn some of life’s key skills, including reading and writing. It prepares prisoners to go on to lead law abiding lives or address their offending behaviour

• Prison works because it helps drug and alcohol dependant prisoners to kick the habit improving the general health and wellbeing

• Prison works because it teaches prisoners many of life’s key skills.It would be wrong not to highlight

some of the failures of the prison system.

The level of re-offending amongst prisoners is too high, as is the level of violence, drug abuse, self-harm and suicides. The number of prisoners with serious mental health problems in our prisons is unacceptable and has to change. The lack of structured regimes, offending behaviour courses and front line staff must be addressed if prisons are to improve.

ConclusionIn my opinion, prison works and generally works well. There is room for significant improvement but that is reliant on the Government. If the Government treats prisons as a second class service, the cost to the tax payer in the long term will be vast. If it treats prisons as a first class service by investing in them it will reap the long-term benefits of a safer society. The current theme appears to be that the Government can’t afford the current prison system. If this is the case what type of systems does it want? More importantly what type of prison system does the public deserve?

Glyn TravisEditor

8-9 Does prison work.indd 9 1/4/11 16:19:28

GENERAL MATTERS

This issue contains the conference agenda, an agenda which sets out the policy and

direction the Union may take for the next 12 months. Delegates will debate and vote on every issue, but this question remains unanswered: Is the membership fully informed about the outcome of conference?

I have been attending the Union’s conference for many years and have always taken for granted that the members knew what happened at conference but now I have to say that I am no longer confi dent that this is or was the case.

Throughout conference we will determine new rules, discuss issues appertaining to security, safety, staffi ng, healthcare and many other work related matters, but will all the members be advised of the outcomes and realise the consequences of the decisions conference made? Are these the real issues to address the underlying problems this Union and every union are facing as a result of the comprehensive spending review and budget cuts?

Some people may hold the views that it is not necessary for the members to be made aware of conference decisions, I do not concur with that view.

The strength and solidarity of the Union will be tested to the limits in the weeks and months ahead as change is announced and imposed by the Government and NOMS. If the membership feels isolated or the Union has failed to deliver the message it may not get the support it needs to challenge these changes.

The foundations of any union’s success are built on the union membership and the way it communicates with its members.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2011Glyn Travis, POA Assistant Secretary sets out his views on conference and the need for change.

Clear informationSome concerns from members relate to the means in which the POA communicates, not just at national level but locally too.

The Union must improve its methods of communicating with its membership and I know Steve Gillan, General Secretary, has worked tirelessly on this issue recently, but no one person can bring about change. We all have to take some responsibility and work collectively for the good of the Union and the membership. Maybe we need to look at our structures and seek the views of the membership as to how we communicate better.

Presenting things in an easy-to-read format may be part of the answer.

All too often, we communicate badly because we fail to understand the needs of others or assume they already know the issues. We need to ensure our communications are eff ective and we should not be afraid of change to bring about, improved or total communications. We can no longer assume things in respect of communications, we have to have an inclusive policy that meets the needs of all our members.

I look forward to the views of the membership on this issue.

MembershipAt conference we may discuss subscription rates, diaries, membership benefi ts and other issues surrounding membership and occasionally motions will ask for one thing in an attempt to achieve something else, this is not unique to the POA. Sometimes change is good but the reality is that without a membership base that can sustain the needs of the Union the POA will cease to exist as we know it, in my opinion.

We must not forget that the Union is also a business and has to be managedas a business to survive and serviceits members.

happened at conference but now I have to say that I am no longer confi dent that this is or was the case.

Throughout conference we will determine new rules, discuss issues appertaining to security, safety, staffi ng, healthcare and many other work related matters, but will all the members be advised of the outcomes and realise the consequences of the decisions conference made? Are these the real issues to address the underlying problems this Union and every union are facing as a result of the comprehensive spending review and budget cuts?

Some people may hold the views that it is not necessary for the members to be made aware of conference decisions, I do not concur with that view.

The strength and solidarity of the Union will be tested to the limits in the weeks and months ahead as change is announced and imposed by the Government and NOMS. If the membership feels isolated or the Union has failed to deliver the message it may not get the support it needs to challenge these changes.

The foundations of any union’s success are built on the union membership and the way it communicates with its members.

seek the views of the membership as to how we communicate better.

Presenting things in an easy-to-read format may be part of the answer.

All too often, we communicate badly because we fail to understand the needs of others or assume they already know the issues. We need to ensure our communications are eff ective and we should not be afraid of change to bring about, improved or total communications. We can no longer assume things in respect of communications, we have to have an inclusive policy that meets the needs of all our members.

I look forward to the views of the membership on this issue.

MembershipAt conference we may discuss subscription rates, diaries, membership benefi ts and other issues surrounding membership and occasionally motions will ask for one thing in an attempt to achieve something else, this is not unique to the POA. Sometimes change is good but the reality is that without a membership base that can sustain the needs of the Union the POA will cease to exist as we know it, in my opinion.

We must not forget that the Union is also a business and has to be managedas a business to survive and serviceits members.


10-11 Annual Conference.indd 10 1/4/11 16:20:19

GENERAL MATTERS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2011


It is critical that every member encourages other workers to join the POA if they are eligible to do so.

It has become apparent in recent weeks that the Government and employers will use any means to bring about change, reduce costs and the current defi cit that was caused by the bankers. No matter what was promised in their election campaigns. The POA as part of the criminal justice system is facing these changes. It is clear that NOMS will bypass the Union to bring about change if allowed to and that is why we need a united and a growing membership.

The POA must increase its membership and its membership base. We still have less than 1,000 members in the private sector after more than ten years of recruiting, whilst other unions are increasing their membership base in this sector. Why?

The balance of power needs to change especially as the Government is looking to market test prisons, close prisons and hand over public services to the private sector.

I am aware that Pete Chapple, the Union’s Finance Offi cer is doing all he can to improve membership benefi ts and fi gures, but again he can’t do this alone and we all need to accept some corporate responsibility to boost membership throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.

We conducted a feasibility study sometime ago on membership as a whole and concluded that things could not be changed; maybe we need to revisit this.

On 27 April 2009 when the PO and Offi cer ranks were closed off the Union’s membership structure was undermined in my opinion and we will start to feel the eff ects of this in months and years ahead if we don’t change.

It is clear that NOMS are pressing ahead to achieve the effi ciency savings of the CSR and

the common theme in all the discussions I have been privy to is that they believe all uniformed staff are to expensive.

Perhaps we need to relook at our rules appertaining to membership and seek the views of those eligible to join the POA and address the root causes that stop them from joining.

I have set out my views on these two issues to raise delegates’ and members’ awareness of the problems the Union may face in the very near future.

The employer is sitting in the wings watching the Union self-destruct from the inside, we need to change their mindset and send out a clear message that this Union is united and prepared to defend the terms and conditions of its members irrespective of where they work.

Don’t wait for others to act. We can all make a diff erence. Start at your branch meeting when discussing the conference agenda.

In closing, I urge all delegates to create a positive environment at conference. This does not mean we all have to agree, nor does it mean that we shouldn’t be critical, but let us look at the way forward and bring about positive change and not continue to do things in the same old way.

Glyn TravisAssistant Secretary

10-11 Annual Conference.indd 11 24/3/11 11:15:23

GENERAL MATTERS


GENERAL MATTERS

IS THIS JUSTICE?

Dear ReaderThe Prison Service and NOMS signed up to the Zero Tolerance on Violence in June 2010 and continue to report a reduction in the number of assaults on staff month by month as set out in the operations report, but are these statistics a true refl ection of what is really happening in prisons?

Having questioned many branch offi cials and members, it is clear the fi gures being reported by local management are seriously manipulated. All too often, members of staff dealing with a violent inmate suff er assault, but local management class the assault as an ‘injury at work’. The reason for this appears to be twofold; fi rstly, it reduces the number of assaults and helps NOMS meet their KPTs. The second (and the more cynical reason) is

that it prevents staff from receiving pay for the duration of the absence under the Civil Service Management Code, and gives management the opportunity to reduce staff pay when they are most vulnerable and in need.

IS THIS JUSTICE?These are pictures of an Offi cer who was assaulted whilst at work and as a result of the Government CICA scheme, he has been refused ANY compensation to date.

At present the Union is appealing this decision to the CICA.

The provision of the CICA scheme treats Prison Offi cers diff erently to members of the public and I have discovered a number of cases where Offi cers have ended up out of pocket following an assault.

One of these cases involved a female who was hit in the face with a pool cue. She needed intensive dental work which she paid for privately at a cost of £11,000. The CICA compensated her for her injuries to the sum of £8,500 but the scheme prevented her from reclaiming the cost of the dental work under the special expenses clause. Therefore, she ended up £2,500 out of pocket as a result of a vicious unprovoked assault and was scarred for life.

IS THIS JUSTICE?The Offi cer who was assaulted in the pictures is incensed at the injustice. He has asked the question: “Why did prisoners receive up to £1800 in compensation from NOMS for contracting food poisoning as a result of a bad

egg sandwich whilst in prison?” No one has the answer. This is not fair compensation for feeling unwell for a day or two, but it is systematic of the prison service management which capitulates rather than fi ghting compensation claims by prisoners, whilst at the same time pursuing their employees for money with drive and vigour.

The Prison Service has paid out millions to prisoners as part of the compensation culture and regime of appeasement. When I enquired into this, it was clear that claims were settled on an economic basis rather than a just basis.

IS THIS JUSTICE?The following data has been reproduced from the operational report from NOMS for the 2009/10 year to date.

Data sources and qualityMuch of the data presented in this report is drawn from the Incident Reporting System (IRS), a prisons administrative IT system used to record events that undermine the safety of those within the estate (staff , prisoners, others), and / or subvert the authority and eff ectiveness of the regime or facilities. Although data entries are fi ltered to reveal inconsistencies, the system is subject to the inaccuracies associated with any large scale, decentralised data-collection process. In addition, the system is a ‘live’ database, open to amendment at any time by the reporting prisons. The fi gures have been cross-referenced as far as possible to ensure accuracy, but due to the reasons noted, and to idiosyncrasies in the automated data

Glyn Travis, Assistant Secretary of the POA, sets out theissues surrounding violence in prisons and the concept that ‘prison works’.

12-13 Is this justice.indd 12 24/3/11 11:16:14

GENERAL MATTERS


Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep

ASSAULT ON STAFF INCIDENTSAssaults on staff - allSerious assaults on staff (~GBH) 62 63 70 72 65 43 62Other assaults on staff (~ABH and other) 706 692 645 563 331 209 184of the aboveSexual assaults on staff 5 1 2 9 4 3 1

PRISONER ON PRISONER ASSAULT INCIDENTS (Including fi ghts)Prisoner on prisoner assaults - allSerious prisoner on prisoner assaults (~GBH) 269 226 293 264 306 283 267Other prisoner on prisoner assaults (~ABH and other) 2761 2870 2866 2601 2466 2610 2573of the abovePrisoner on prisoner sexual assaults 29 12 36 27 31 18 22

PRISONER ON PRISONER FIGHTSPrisoner on prisoner fi ghts - allSerious prisoner on prisoner fi ghts (~GBH) 69 58 70 47 18 54 77Other prisoner on prisoner fi ghts (~ABH and other) 1234 1346 1110 672 350 906 1283

ASSAULT INCIDENTS REFERRED TO POLICEReferrals to police - all 277 271 308 303 261 234 180Referrals to police - prisoner on prisoner 184 169 187 167 163 143 106Referrals to police - prisoner on offi cer 73 81 104 99 86 69 62Referrals to police - prisoner on other 9 2 9 12 8 7 5Referrals to police - other 11 19 8 25 4 15 7

retrieval systems, all fi gures must be taken as approximate. They are, however, suitable for comparisons of magnitude and identifi cation of general trends.

The report includes the incident data held on the separate NOMIS system for the periods in question.

When you look at this data you would accept that the level of assaults on staff or offi cers has reduced but the information I have obtained from people on the front line seriously questions the accuracy of the report.

Glyn TravisAssistant Secretary

Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep

It is clear to offi cers and other uniformed staff that the threat of violence in our prisons is on the increase and the threats of serious assaults is a daily occurrence. All too often staff have expressed the view that they believe an offi cer will be killed whilst on duty if things don’t change.

12-13 Is this justice.indd 13 1/4/11 16:22:03

GENERAL MATTERS


JUSTICE

Our prisons have been described as ‘holiday camps’. This culture can be traced back to the introduction of the business mentality and private prisons.

What has happened to our once world famous justice system? Every day the media shows pictures of crime victims who have been beaten to a pulp, while farcical non-custodial sentences are given as punishment.

IN CRISISHow can this be justice?Who would have thought this time last year, that we would be closing prisons because of spare capacity? In August 2007 the Prison Service was planning for a worst case scenario of 103,000 prisoners in custody by 2014. What’s changed?

If prison is as expensive and ineffective as the Justice Minister is claiming what are the alternatives? Giving offenders a fine evidently doesn’t work because the Government and victims of crime are owed £1.5 billion. Community sentences are much trumpeted as the alternative to prison but amazingly, no information is kept on their effectiveness. No doubt serious offenders will simply ignore these, especially as the Government is looking at drastic cuts in frontline probation officers. A recent BBC programme showed offenders on community service in different locations watching TV and smoking drugs - hardly a credible alternative to prison. Private prisons

Over recent years our prisons have been described as ‘holiday camps’.

This culture can be traced back to the introduction of the business mentality of private prisons. While

the private sector may have introduced some interesting ideas like offender bank accounts, ultimately they are there to make a profit which is done

by fewer staff on the landings and appeasement. Simply, a

conforming, appeased offender is a profitable offender and profitable

offenders make for healthy balance sheets. In case people are wondering what

appeasement actually means in real terms. It is allowing offenders’ families to send cash to them, which is in addition to the wages they can earn from the prison. This money can be

used to buy the latest designer clothes and trainers or can be spent in the prison shop.This routinely means prisoners can have £40 plus disposable income. Then there’s as much gym as they can handle, not forgetting twenty four hour TV and PlayStations and should they have a spare time on their hands they can always tune in to the new national prison radio station.

Who dictates prison policy?Public Sector prisons have been forced to ‘tow the line’ over recent years. Brow-beaten by liberal-minded chief inspectors, prisoner campaign groups, and offender consultative panels. All this has culminated in offenders swaggering round untouchable, while prison officer ratios have dramatically dropped against an ever rising prison population.

The trouble that arose in various public sector prisons demonstrates the effectiveness of appeasement. With ever-shrinking budgets, managers are left with little option but to reduce staff and cut regimes. This doesn’t go down too well with prisoners who have been used to demanding and getting; using the only mentality they know which is to kick off.

Years ago could you have ever envisaged a time when rioters and mutineers dictated prison policy and closed a prison as they have done with HMP Ashwell? What message does that send out?

Until prison returns back to basics where it is a slur on one’s family to have a member of their family inside, there’s little prospect of properly controlling the prison population.

If the current business mentality is allowed to continue unabated then expect a future where criminals will be asked for an explanation please and will be sentenced to 100 lines.

Officer I. PrescottHMP Kennet

14 Justice in Crisis.indd 14 24/3/11 11:18:08

GENERAL MATTERS


All those in support were to send a postcard to Gollancz with the simple word ‘yes’. Within a

month he had received 10,000 replies and in March 1951 The Association for World Peace was formed to meet this response. In May that year Harold Wilson MP was invited to chair a committee which would work out a plan “for the conquest of world hunger”. It was Harold Wilson, later to become Labour Prime Minister who coined the phrase “The only war worth fighting is the war on want”. The following year, in June 1952, “War on Want: A Plan for World Development” was published, and War on Want has not looked back since.

Debt is a central issueWar on Want has always been at the forefront of many of the debates on global poverty and injustice. In 1961 War on Want warned that debt would be a central issue in the future. In the 1970s we helped to expose the scandal of baby foods companies marketing powdered milk as a healthier option than breast milk to mothers in the developing world. This was a more dangerous and expensive option for these mothers, who had no access to safe drinking water and sterilisation facilities. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s War on Want campaigned for workers’ rights on tea plantations, supported Southern African liberation movements and developed groundbreaking campaigns on the role of women in the developing world.

AfghanistanPrivate Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) are making a killing out of conflict around the world. These private armies undertake a range of activities such as close protection, escorting convoys, surveillance and training, but are also alleged to be used for ‘black operations’, including detention and interrogation. Of the 39 registered PMSCs in Afghanistan, 10 are from Britain. At present private armies can act with impunity. Many will recall the killings and human rights abuses by private armies in Iraq that dominated the headlines. There are now concerns that similar abuses are taking place in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has suffered decades of foreign intervention and conflict, and as a result is now one of the poorest countries in the world. Quality of life indicators in Afghanistan are truly alarming: One in five children dies before the age of five, life expectancy is 44.6 years, the lowest in the world, 73 percent of Afghan people have no access to safe drinking water and over three million Afghans are refugees or internally displaced. Ten years into the NATO led occupation it’s time to escalate pressure on our Government to end its involvement in this unjust and unwinnable conflict.

SIXTY YEARS AND (STILL) COUNTINGIn 1951 the left-wing publisher, Victor Gollancz wrote a letter to The Guardian newspaper that called for a negotiated end to the Korean War and the creation of an international fund “to turn swords into ploughshares”.

Just as we did 60 years ago, War on Want is asking people to send “Yes” to us – this time by email rather than postcard. Visit the website, sign up and say ‘Yes’.

www.waronwant.org/campaigns/corporations-and-conflict/crisis-in-afghanistan/17198-help-end-the-war-say-yes

In Afghanistan today as in Korea 60 years ago it’s clear that the only war worth fighting is the war on want.

15 War on want.indd 15 24/3/11 11:20:57

GENERAL MATTERS


The theme of HMD was “Untold Stories.” The event described genocides ranging from the

Holocaust during World War 11 to Rwanda. The diverse audience of about 500 people included more than 200 Holocaust survivors. The date is chosen to commemorate the date that Auschwitz –Birkenau was liberated in 1945.

The “Untold Stories” tells the lesser-known stories of survivors and of those who didn’t survive. The work of HMD is to educate people so that they remember the atrocities of the past to prevent them happening again in the future.

The individual stories give a real account of events, which the majority of us only consider as part of our history, but it was very real and endured by people still alive today. I suppose the question is; would they have believed such things could ever happen if they had not been the victims of such atrocities?

One gentleman I spoke to told me about himself and his own experience. As a background, it must be remembered that the extermination of nearly 67 percent of European Jews didn’t come about overnight. The rise of

intolerance and prejudice, scapegoating a people to blame for all problems, is not new but the level reached in Europe in the 1930s and 40s was taken to such a level it almost defi es belief. For a continent which perceives itself as being civilised, the Holocaust is a dire warning of what civilisation can do.

Steven PearlSteven Pearl was a survivor. He was born in Romania and lived in a small village. Romania didn’t follow Nazi Germany in its persecution of the Jews but when Germany gave part of Romania to its ally, Hungary, they followed the same extermination policy.

Steven remembers the round up, being put on transporters and fi nding himself at Auschwitz. By 1944, the place was used for selection for forced labour or immediate extermination. Dr Josef Mengele was at the camp and Steven’s memory of the selection was that next to him in the line was his younger brother. Naturally smaller, he was ordered to the ‘left’ being told he can go with his mother. It was the last time Steven saw him. ‘Left’ was the gas chamber and crematorium.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY, “UNTOLD STORIES” 27 JANUARY 2011I was honoured to be invited to the Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) event at the Royal Horticultural Society Hall in London last January.

Steven didn’t stay at Auschwitz, which I visited some years ago. It had the phrase, ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ (work brings freedom) above its gate. He was transferred to Buchenwald, a concentration camp and fi nally sent to Belsen, a camp with its own horrors. Belsen was liberated by British forces and the camp commandant, Josef Kramer, along with some of the staff were executed by Albert Pierrepoint after war crime trials.

Steven then thought about going to the USA but decided to stay in Britain, where he found work in the jewellery profession, married and raised a family. It was many years later that he discovered that his elder brother had escaped death and left Europe for Palestine, a British Mandate Territory which later became the state of Israel. The disruption to civilian life from displaced people meant that families lost contact with each other and many records had been lost which could have helped to trace their whereabouts. For many Jewish families, there were no other relatives alive and their communities had been wiped out.

This is just one story of many and it was a privilege to have met Steven Pearl and hear his story.

Stewart McLaughlinBranch SecretaryWandsworth POAPOA Diversity Committee

16 Holocaust.indd 16 24/3/11 11:21:30

GENERAL MATTERS


The site in Maghull was originally out in the country, a couple of miles from the

Liverpool to York road, with the nearest railway station about the same distance away in the other direction.

During the First World War Moss Side was used to treat shell-shocked soldiers and officers. In 1919 the hospital had its security upgraded and began to admit dangerous mental defectives. It later changed to look after those suffering from epilepsy and some patients were transferred from Rampton. The NHS Act of 1948 did not directly affect Moss Side as by

this time it was managed by the Department of Health (Civil Service).

Ashworth HospitalMoss Side was designated a Special Hospital in accordance with the 1959 Mental Health Act, along with Broadmoor and Rampton. Many patients classified as mentally subnormal were treated and with improvements in medication were able to be discharged to the NHS or elsewhere in the community. After 1984 when Park Lane Special Hospital was opened on the Moss Side site, the two hospitals amalgamated to become Ashworth Hospital in 199O. The original site at Moss Side closed in 1995. There

were various proposals for future development, including a new prison but these plans were scrapped in 2010 and the bulldozers moved in. The old Moss Side hospital has now been demolished. Any thoughts of listed status passed over as the buildings were left to decay and become unsafe.

Now in 2011, another chapter on Moss Side - no centenary for the part played in treating soldiers from 1914, but memories for those who lived and worked there up to 1995.

David Preece Honorary Life Member POA Ashworth

A HISTORY OF MOSS SIDE SPECIAL HOSPITALIn 1914, The Lunacy Board of Control acquired the main buildings at Moss Side in north Liverpool, to use as an asylum. Prior to this it had been used as a convalescent home for children from Liverpool workhouses.

Although the event had been well publicised, numbers in attendance far exceeded those

expected which demonstrates local feelings and concerns.

Protestors included:• Shropshire Cares Campaign – an organisation

that seeks to directly challenge the cuts imposed on the elderly and people with disabilities in Shropshire

• Why Waste Wakeman – Wakeman Secondary School along with eight primary schools are under threat of closure

• Trade Unions • Members of the public.

All opposing the devastating cuts to their communities.

Spirits were high as protestors reached the town centre square and were greeted by music from local band Radio Riot, guitarist Tom Moorcroft and soul singer Sean Stevens.

Speakers included Paul Brandon (Right to Work Campaign), Pete Murray (General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists), Tony Conway (PCS) and 14 year old Emma

Baskeyfield who recently led a walkout of students from her school in opposition to the increase in student fees.

The peaceful protest and rally continued until late afternoon and ended with dancing in the square as banners and placards were finally packed away.

Jackie MarshallHMYOI Stoke Heath

SHROPSHIRE AGAINST CUTSShrewsbury town was brought to a standstill by over 1500 protestors during a recent march and rally organised by the Shropshire Fights Back group, which is led by members of Shropshire and Telford Trades Council.

17 Shropshire & Moss side.indd 17 28/3/11 14:07:03

GENERAL MATTERS


1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking - stop telling you what to do?

3. Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk? 4. Have you had a drink in the morning in the past year?

5. Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

6. Have you had problems connected with drinking during the last year?

7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

8. Do you ever try to get ‘extra’ drinks at a party because you do not get enough?

9. Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?

10. Have you missed days of work because of drinking?

11. Do you have “blackouts”?

12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

If you answered YES to FOUR OR MORE of these questions then you probably are in trouble with alcohol.

Alcoholics Anonymous may be able to help you if you want to do something about your drinking, just call the national helpline number 0845 769 7555.All calls are confidential.

Your telephone call will be answered by a recovering alcoholic who will take your details. These details will then be passed to another recovering alcoholic of the same gender as you. He or she will then call you to arrange to meet you at your home or a place comfortable for you. If you are willing they will arrange to take you to attend a local AA meeting. Again attendance at AA meetings is strictly confidential.

There is no waiting list, no need for doctors’ letters and no cost to attend AA meetings, just a desire to stop drinking. AA is not religious or political or a sect.

VISIT TO WANDSWORTH BY STEVE GILLAN, POA GENERAL SECRETARYOn the 11th February, our General Secretary, Steve Gillan, came to Wandsworth to address the Branch. He was accompanied by John Hancock, our area rep (who will be replaced shortly by Ralph Valerio).

After Branch business was concluded, Steve then took the floor and outlined the problems we face as a trade union and the problems public sector

workers are facing generally.The country has a deficit but we have lived with this in one way or

another for decades, why does the Conservative/Liberal Coalition want to reduce it so quickly now?

Could the deficit be an excuse to bring about attacks on the public sector and the trade unions that work within it? A simple attack on unions would perhaps be too obvious so they claim all the cuts are necessary to rebuild the economy. The public sector was not responsible for the mess but are being squeezed to pay for it. Is the private sector being asked to put money back into the Treasury? Are Government contracts with private providers being cut?

As a Union, we have a number of options to fight privatisation and job losses and are engaging with other trade unions to take joint action. Strike action is an option.

Steve took a number of questions from the floor and admitted that the NEC didn’t always get everything right but the NEC is a small group compared to the entire membership of the POA. It is the members who have the power in this Union.

With the new Branch banner in the background, there was a further call for a good turnout for the 26th March, were all trade unions voiced their disapproval of the cuts coming and attacks on trade unions.

Stewart McLaughlinWandsworth POA

(L-R) Vince Lardner, Steve Gillan General Secretary, Gina Selmes, Stewart McLaughlin, Mark Piper Wandsworth POA

DO YOU HAVE A DRINK PROBLEM?

This is a questionnaire devised by Alcoholics Anonymous:

YES NO

Some AA meetings are open to non-alcoholics so if you simply want to learn more about AA contact 0845 769 7555.

18 Steve Gillan.indd 18 23/3/11 16:20:28

NAME BRANCH YEARGeorge Marshall HMP Rochester 1974Harry Pinnington HMP Thorp Arch 1974Tom Binns HMP Nottingham 1975James Larkin NI Area Secretary 1976Tom Rowley Broadmoor 1977Roy Bridgeland HMP Canterbury 1979John Gunning HMP Ashford 1980Tom Black Rampton Special Hospital 1980Derek Bridge HMP Liverpool 1981Brian Dean HMP Kirkham 1982Bob Saff ery HMP Wandsworth 1982Phil Mendleson HMP Staff ord 1983George Dickinson HMP Norwich 1984Jack Wilson HMP The Verne 1984George Craggs HMP Leeds 1985Ian McLeod HMP Liverpool 1985Tom Cadman Works Branch 1986Alec McVicar HMP New Hall 1987Gordon Hardwick HMP Pentonville 1987Mick Ricketts HMP Hatfi eld 1988Derek Arrowsmith HMP Onley 1988Stuart Gibson HMP Winchester 1989Vic Skelton Wakefi eld PSC 1989Brian Armour Maze (Received Posthumously Died 04.10.88)Ron Speakman HMP Bristol 1990Len Butcher HMP Blundeston 1990Pat Rogers HMP Channings Wood 1991Colin Slater HMP Wakefi eld 1991Noel Frizzell HMP Belfast 1992Ian McIntosh HMP Whatton 1993Ray Brooks HMP Blundeston 1993Ken Tysoe HMP Bedford 1994Tom Padgett HMP Swinfen Hall 1994Mrs Pat Burgess HMP Styal 1995Phil Hill HMP Chelmsford 1995Mick O’Dwyer HMP Wormwood Scrubs 1996David Hardiman HMP Preston 1996Anthony Wayte HMP Aylesbury 1997Ken Broad HMP Dover 1997Alf Craig HMP Hindley 1997Ken Turner HMP Birmingham 1997Ken Heath HMP Dorchester 1997Derek Hould HMP Portland 1997Barry Tidder HMP Hull 1998Alan Heater HMP Lewes 1998Bryan Goodman HMP Highdown 1998 (nomination via HMP Wandsworth)Andy Martin HMP Featherstone 1998

NAME BRANCH YEARRay Pledger HMP Leeds 1998David Roy Duncan HMP Moorland 1999Thelma Dutton HMP Styal 1999Terry Smith HMP Norwich 1999Bob Russell Rampton Special Hospital 1999Trevor Fawcett HMP Stocken 1999David Preece Ashworth Special Hospital 1999Eddie Huish HMP Aylesbury 2000Steve Patterson HMP Canterbury 2000Pat Garrett HMP Castington 2000Rich Littler Glen Parva 2000George Long HMP Maidstone 2000Ken Gascoyne HMP Nottingham 2000Alan Cooper HMP Onley 2000Barrie Crawford HMP Bedford 2001Patrick “Skippy” Harman Blantyre House 2001Brian Murphy HMP Rochester 2001Mick Grace HMP Littlehey 2001Jim Wright HMP Risley 2001Stan Walpole HMP Full Sutton 2001Dave Plummer HMP Coldingley 2002Derek Yeomans HMP Dorchester 2002Phil Clayton HMP Shrewsbury 2002Pete Langley HMP Canterbury 2003Phil Campbell HMP Castington 2003Paddy Radford HMP Portland 2003Steve Oxby HMP Rampton 2003Doug Evans HMP Onley 2004Eric Kane HMP Polmont 2005Mick Redman HMP Long Lartin 2005Ken Sexton HMP Kingston 2005Eddie Stubbs HMP Wealstun 2005Hugh Crawford HMP Carstairs 2006Ray King HMP Whitemoor 2006Tom Appadoo HMP Holloway 2006Dave Turner HMP Pentonville 2006Jim Clark HMP Kingston/Portsmouth 2007Steve Billinghurst HMP Stocken 2007Stuart McDade HMP Channings Wood 2008Paul Leigh HMP Liverpool 2008Simon Connolly HMP Leicester 2008Peter Gilmore HMP Wymott 2008 Brian McHale HMP Swinfen Hall 2009Steven Merrett HMP Winchester 2009Tony Henry HMP Kirkham 2009Brian Harrison HMP Castington 2010Mick Roe HMP Bullwood Hall 2010Rob Bowman HMP New Hall 2010

CRONIN CLASP RECIPIENTSGENERAL MATTERS


This is a list of the Cronin Clasp holders, an award presented at our Annual Conference to Branch Offi cials in recognition of their dedication, hard work and support to the Union over many years. The National Executive Committee considers applications from local Branch Offi cials annually and selects members based on the evidence submitted. At Annual Conference, family and work colleagues attend the presentation and a celebratory lunch is provided. The award and presentation is one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Union. The recipients of the Cronin Clasp receive a gold badge, which they wear with pride.

19 Cronin Clasp.indd 19 24/3/11 09:34:37

GENERAL MATTERS


Over the last three years the Six Book Challenge has swept across the country and brought

many thousands of adults back into reading or to reading for pleasure for the fi rst time. Run by The Reading Agency the Challenge is targeted at less confi dent readers, inviting them to read six books of their choice and record their reading in a diary to get a Six Book Challenge certifi cate. Since its launch in 2008, readers, ULRs, and learning teams have used it in a variety of ways to meet their needs. Many use it with the Quick Reads; others read books they’ve always meant to read, or which have been suggested by friends or family.

Dave Taylor, Prison Offi cer, HMP Moorland said: “I hadn’t read anything in a number of years and the centre encouraged me to take home a Quick Read. I was amazed as to how much I enjoyed it and have since read another two titles.”

A book takes you away from the workplaceThe Challenge runs from January each year with a national prize draw at the end of June. If you haven’t started yet, don’t worry. Lots of workplaces use Adult Learners Week and Learning at Work Day to either launch the Challenge or boost participation. It’s one of the few times of the year when we’re really thinking about our learning, and when a proactive learning center can make all the diff erence.

It’s about taking a break from the computer. A book takes you away from the workplace. Actually reading for your own pleasure rather than work is a stress release. Lorraine Lewis, Maghull Union Learning Centre Manager at Ashworth Hospital said: “When people get back into reading you see a massive improvement in understanding, in punctuation, and grammar.”

For those learning centers outside the prison wall, the Challenge off ers a great tool for establishing partnerships with local libraries and enabling learning centers to reach out to their local community.

The Six Book Challenge has been a fantastic success. It is a great tool for ULRs to use and is an eff ective way to encourage the hard to reach learners to embrace reading, some for the fi rst time in their lives.

It’s a great way to encourage learners to other progression routes in a safe and friendly way, building their confi dence and skills to move on to more formal adult literacy qualifi cations.

Phil Kelly, Learning Manager, Prison Offi cers Association said: “I have provided all of our centers with the funding to purchase the Quick Reads which the learners really love, they usually can’t wait to get their card signed off so they can get started on their next Six Book Challenge.”

UP FOR THE CHALLENGEReading can lift us out of our daily routine, open up new opportunities and lead to new ideas. It can get you thinking about your interests, and your skills. Reading is good but do we make the time for it? Can we stick at it? You are reading this (I hope!) but would you like to read more?

2011

Take part in theSix Book Challenge here!

www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk

The Six Book Challenge – which six will you choose? For more information visit:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk or contact David Kendall,Tel: 07814060572 Email: [email protected]

20 Six book challenge.indd 20 23/3/11 16:34:20

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Fiscale Financial Services Limited is an appointed representative of Financial Limited, which is authorised and regulated bythe Financial Services Authority. FSA number 467979. Registered office: 36, Guest Lane, Silkstone, Barnsley, S75 4LF.Registered in England & Wales, company number 06218216* Debt Counselling is regulated by The Office of Fair Trading, not the Financial Services Authority.

FinancialServices offered to

POA MEMBERS

include:

� Pensions

� Mortgages

� Equity Release

� Protectione.g family and mortgage cover

� Existingor New Investmentse.g. a reviewof the best home foryour money

As the POA’s recently appointedindependent financial advisors,we have already started to receivea number of enquiries. These include:

PensionsAdvice in relation to pensions at or in therun up to retirement

Redundancy or retirementAdvice in relation to investing any lumpsums arising.

What else can we help with?

Untitled-2 1 24/3/11 12:22:35


NORTH OF THE BORDER

It was good to see other branch officials and activists turn up alongside the SNC at this important

event as well as the usual faces, and it was heartening to see many of our sister unions turn out to lend support to the campaign against these draconian cuts. There was a broad range of speakers who were all very good at putting across their messages of solidarity and support as well as pointing out the multitude of lies being spouted by this Con-Dem Government.

Here is just a small account of what was discussed at the rally where trade union members were also encouraged to gather in London for the TUC ‘March for the Alternative’ which took place 26 March.

Government spending cuts will damage public services and put more than a million out of work. They will hit the vulnerable, damage communities and undermine much of what holds us together as a society.

Ministers say there is no alternative. There IS an alternativeThe STUC believes there is an alternative and thousands of Scottish trade unionists travelled to London to support the TUC demonstration and the ‘March for the Alternative’ last month

The alternative is a society in which everyone has to pay all their tax, where the banks pay a Robin Hood tax and we create jobs that deliver sustainable economic growth - the only long term way to close the deficit and reduce the nation’s debt.

All genuinely independent analysis of the Budget statement confirms that the impact of tax rises and spending cuts will hit the poor hardest.

Flouting the practices of good government and perhaps even the law, the Con-Dems didn’t even undertake a gender impact assessment of the Budget.

Public sector pay is not out of line with private sector pay and pensions are entirely affordable.

The analysis of Government and their supporters in employer organisations and right wing think tanks is deliberately misleading – they seek to create division between public and private sector workers. It is incredible that an economic crisis borne of the greed and irresponsibility of super-wealthy bankers is now being blamed on voracious nurses, teachers, classroom assistants, prison officers, police officers, firemen and cleansing workers.

Commentators such as Income Data Services recognise that public and private sector pay is more or less equal when like is compared with like.

Ideological opponents of the public sector such as the Taxpayers Alliance and Institute of Directors deliberately average out all public sector pay and all private sector pay and ignore the considerable difference in workforce profiles – a tactic adopted uncritically by the Con-Dems.

Only five percent of the private sector workforce are categorised as professional compared to 24.5 percent in the public sector. The private sector has five times more manual workers than the public sector which has outsourced most of these jobs.

The key issues on pay and pensions are:• The scandalously low pay of far too many

private sector workers – who have wholly inadequate pension cover

• Workers across the economy being forced into real-terms pay cuts as the economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis induced recession

• The continual decline of wages as a proportion of GDP (and the continual rise of profits) – this leads to a structural shortfall in demand which was only overcome through the pumping up of housing and credit bubbles

• The ability of the executive elite to extract extravagant rewards; in the last year boardroom pay has increased by seven percent and bonuses by 22.5 percent. This problem is particularly acute in the financial sector and helped create incentives which led to crisis.

No pay rise for hard working dedicated prison officers Calculations once made relating to RPI (Retail Prices Index) changeing to CPI (Consumer Price

Index) will have a major impact on pensions. And the proposed change from the classic to nuvos pensions schemes (the Civil Service pension scheme) is all designed to reduce what we would have earned after we finally managed to retire (if we manage to retire as they keep increasing the pension age in the hope that we will die before we can actually collect it.)

In every walk of life we see the rich getting richer as the class divide widens and those in power grab everything they can to the detriment of the workers.

Partnership Accord 3The Partnership Accord 3 states that: ‘All staff should feel safe, valued and rewarded for their contribution. But what do we have:• Staff Bonus Scheme - removed• PPMS Monitory Reward - removed

Senior Managers recruitment and retention...woohoo non-consolidated pensionable lump sum (WTF that actually means).

What reward is actually in place for staff to feel valued under Accord 3? It seems they may argue the marking in itself is the reward...if that’s the case why do senior management need a retention bonus...surely for them working for SPS is in itself the reward?

For these reasons alone we should all ensure we actively support the unions in their stance to stand up against these self-centred egotistical, sanctimonious buffoons who think they can browbeat the workers into believing we are privileged to work for whatever pittance they decide to give us.

John DicksonBranch SecretaryHMP Shotts

UNITY IS STRENGTHColleagues...Once again I was happy to represent the Branch at the ‘There Is A Better Way’ Rally at Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre on Saturday 26 February.

22 NOTB John Dickson.indd 22 28/3/11 14:09:50

NORTH OF THE BORDER


Colleagues, You will be aware by now that I am standing down from the position of Scottish National Chairman after the Annual Conference in May this year. I have to say that despite the significant difficulties faced by the Union over the years and decisions that have had to be made, the decision to stand down as Chairman has, in many ways, been the most difficult.

Recently, I inevitably reflected upon the past and began to realise what a great personal honour and privilege it has been to represent the SPOA and POA in different capacities, and to hold the office of Scottish National Chairman for such a long and rewarding time.

Here is a short résumé of my career with this great Union and SPS: I joined the Prison Service on 2nd October 1978 and since 1986 I have represented the Prison Officers Association on a local, national and international level in a variety of elected posts from Local Branch Official, Branch Chairman both at HMP Barlinnie (The Big Hoose). Thereafter

I was elected to the NEC of the SPOA and subsequently served as Vice Chairman and finally, post-merger, serving for the past 14 years as Scottish National Chairman of the POA Scotland. During this period I also held the office of Scottish Prison Service Trade Union Side Chairman.

During my term of office I have been involved in making some difficult and some times very controversial decisions, and through the years have lost many valuable colleagues and friends but I will retain their memory and relish the times we had. But there have also been many highlights, in particular, seeing record investment in the service and new public sector prisons in the form of Low Moss and eventually Grampian coming to fruition.

The past 25 years have passed so very quickly, but I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of them - the good and the bad and I say that because that’s just the nature of being a trade union official, it all comes with the job. I find the amount of characters I have met and made friends with over my years absolutely

astonishing, no more than my great friend and colleague, Derek Turner, a past General Secretary of the Union in Scotland, I admire him greatly for his long-standing commitment to the members he fought for and made sacrifices for over the years just as he did way back in 1986 at HMP Barlinnie when he convinced me to join the local branch committee. But it’s time to move on and it’s good to see new blood coming through at local and national level that assures me the Union is in good hands.

It would be remiss of me not to say thanks for all the support I have had over the years including the Scottish Prison Service, other trade unions, colleagues I have worked with from within the POA in particular my good friend ‘Old Tom’, and above all the Membership.

It has been my privilege to serve you.

David Melrose Esq. MBEScottish National ChairmanPOA Scotland

SCOTTISH NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

The country is full of wealth and cash.Sadly it’s just not in your hands. It

has been transferred, in the greatest robbery in British history, from the workers and consumers to the banks, corrupt ministers and the bank accounts of the super-rich elite.

“I hope we shall… crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and to bid defiance to the laws of their country.”

Thomas Jefferson, letter to George Logan. November 12, 1816

As a nation, we have allowed a small group of men to steal and hoard the bulk of the wealth that runs our economy; we have given our hard-fought Democracy to the wealthy elite.

The Stock Exchange, the banks and multinational conglomerates now run this once great country… and, until the start of the protests gripping the World, the rest of us have felt completely helpless, unable to find a way to do anything about it.

We are nothing more than trades union activists that have learned via the TUC. Our economy needs to grow…• It can only grow when we invest in producing

things that people want• It can only grow when we invest in decent

jobs with decent wages that we use to buy the things we need and thus create more jobs

• It can only grow when we invest in providing an outstanding education system which then grows a new generation of skilled workers, scientists, inventors, artists and creative thinkers who we then invest to create the next mind-blowing ideas for the world.

And these new ideas create even more new jobs and that colleagues, creates revenue for the state.

But if those that have the most money don’t pay their fair share of taxes, the state can’t function. The schools can’t afford to produce the best and the brightest who will go on to create those jobs. The poor become poorer while the rich continue to get richer and horde their wealth.

Now is the time to stand up and fight against these continued attacks on the workers… The branch has been at every rally in Scotland for the ‘There is a better way’ campaign… We need you to start supporting your union… we need to start campaigning together… United.

Shotts Local Branch

THE GREATEST ROBBERY IN BRITISH HISTORYColleagues, contrary to what those in power would have you believe; that we are all in this together and that we must all make sacrifices so that you’ll give up your pensions, cut your wages and settle for a life of debt and despair - the United Kingdom is not broke. Not by a long way.

23-25 North of the border.indd 23 28/3/11 14:11:53

NORTH OF THE BORDER


Colleagues, In our last musings we told you how we had just been informed

of the SPS intention to close HMP Noranside. The following is an update on this position.

At a Special Delegate’s Conference we received unanimous support for the campaign for the retention of Noranside. This was based mainly on the fact that the rationale for closure provided by management was questionable and sparse in detail. All delegates accepted that this issue was not just about “little” Noranside; it was and is about sending a message that if closure of a public prison is to be accepted, it has to be after all alternative possibilities have been fully explored and discussed and that it is not driven by the goal of a quick win on savings.

We all know there is more to come, so we have to ensure that future savings driven decisions are made with all the facts presented and that the reasons are right. What always appears to be forgotten by management is that we are massively overcrowded as a service and if there are problems with the system progressing prisoners, which ultimately creates vacancies in the open prison estate…fi x the system, don’t close a public prison!

As a result of the Special Delegates Conference, the Scottish National Committee informed the Scottish Prison Service of the mandate which the POA had been given on the matter and the Chief Executive immediately postponed the closure decision for approximately one month. This was to allow the POA(S) to prepare a counter case. At this point, it does beg the question; why did the SPS recognise that there was a need to allow the POA(S) to put across their proposals for retention in detail, after they had announced their intention to close the establishment? Surely this should all have

been looked at in great detail prior to any announcement. It was however, becoming clear that the SPS case for closure had not been looked at in any great detail.

CampaignWe also started to organise the campaign. Members lobbied their local MSPs (prisons are a devolved issue for the Scottish Parliament), and the Scottish National Committee began a petition to be passed to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice. Over the course of the next three weeks members petitioned Local Councillors, Visiting Committees and Members of the Scottish Parliament. Petitions appeared in every local business; nationally our colleagues in other branches were collating signatures from their members/areas and the POA Vice Chair for Scotland appeared on national TV to reiterate the folly of the proposed closure.

We worked on a daily basis with the Scottish National Committee (special thanks to Phil Fairlie and Andy Hogg) to prepare the case for retention to present to the board. Detailed counter arguments were put forward backed up with facts and statistics which were extremely powerful in pressing for retention.

Our committee organised a rally in the main local town, we arranged for this to be attended by 90 percent of our membership, MSPs and MPs of all political persuasion, local councillors, friends and families. We arranged for local and national radio coverage, local and national press coverage, and national TV coverage

Continued press coverage carried on over the next few weeks, in advance of us taking a bus full of members to the Scottish Parliament along with the SNC to lobby MSPs of all parties and make them aware of the case for retention.

The petition supported by 4,300 signatures was fi nally presented to John Swinney the

local MSP and Minister for Finance in the Scottish Government close to his local constituency offi ce.

All of the above was achieved in the space of six weeks. Imagine what we could have done given more time? Mobilising a campaign and keeping momentum in the media and politically has proven to be successful so far.

United in a common causeOn behalf of all the committee I would like to thank all the members both locally and nationally for their support and hard work, thanks also to the SNC. The campaign thus far has brought everyone together behind a common cause.

Representatives from the Scottish National Committee have since met with the Justice Secretary who, after listening to the campaign and case for retention made the announcement that he wanted the SPS to carry out a mini estates review to ensure all areas are explored in full prior to putting any case for closure forward to him. This is to be done as soon as possible after the Scottish elections on May 5th.

We are still here!So the future is still uncertain, not a turn round in decision, but we are still here… on the 16th Dec we were closed! At least now we can have an input into ensuring all possibilities are investigated fully to fi nd a better use of all our bed spaces, and that short sighted, ill-informed decisions are not allowed to be made by people who know nothing about what their prisons deliver and how it is delivered.

Hopefully we will be able to contribute to further issues of Gatelodge.

From all (STILL) behindthe barricades

HMP NORANSIDE UPDATE


The Commission, established by the Scottish Government in November 2010, is chaired by

Dr Campbell Christie CBE, Former General Secretary of the STUC and current President of Scottish Council for Development and Industry. The Commission’s remit is both wide and comprehensive and refl ects the Scottish Government’s vision of providing effective and effi cient public services against a background of cuts to the Scottish budget.

In particular it “is asked to:• Address the role of public services in

improving outcomes, what impact they make, and whether this can be done more eff ectively

• Examine structures, functions and roles, to improve the quality of public service delivery and reduce demand through, for example, early intervention

• Consider the role of a public service ethos, along with cultural change, engaging public sector workers, users and stakeholders”.The meeting held in Edinburgh was attend

by many of the unions operating in the public sector including, (with apologies to those I may have missed) Unison, Prospect, PCS, UCU, Unite, EIS, UCATT and FBU, along with the General and Deputy General Secretary of STUC, this allowed for a broad view to be given to the Commission not only on the breadth of public service but of the particular issues impacting on the delivery of their sector.

From our perspective, the meeting provided the opportunity to thank the STUC and the Commission for remembering that our members provide a vital service to society and are often the `Cinderella of public service.’ I was able to emphasise the importance around the ethos of public service rather than private profi t, and whilst recognising there are roles in the delivery of public services suitable for private and voluntary sector involvement there are some areas, such as the delivery of prison services that should be ring-fenced for public sector delivery as a principle.

Transparency and accountability to the taxpayerThis is not simply protectionism, indeed we are one of the few sectors involved who don’t wish to `grow the business` but it is about the need for transparency and accountability to the taxpayer in the delivery of public services. There is nonetheless, an overriding imperative that the market has no rightful place in profi ting from the misery of those who continue to populate our prisons often by virtue of the social deprivation and poverty that exists in their communities.

Equally, the introduction and expansion of private sector involvement in public services has often had little to do with providing effective service, rather than it being no more than a cynical ploy to drag down the terms and conditions of those working in the public sector, who appear once again to be the whipping boys of the popular ConDem Government, right wing press and industry barons, as if New Labour wasn’t damaging enough!

The Commission has much to ponder and from the views expressed by the unions on the day as well as through submissions from the STUC it is recognised that their task is not easy but may lead to a set of underpinning principles in which public services can be funded and delivered in the future. With the ever tightening of the Scottish Budget and the pressure to increase capacity as a result of rising prison populations, we can only hope that the principle of Prisons are not for Profi t has come across loud and clear.

The Commission is expected to deliver their report to the Scottish Government at the end of June 2011.

Andy HoggAssistant Secretary

COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICES IN SCOTLANDIt was my privilege to be invited to give apresentation on behalf of the POA(S) to the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services in Scotland.


NORTH OF THE BORDER


STRICTLY PRIVATE


Tom RobsonChairman0113 242 8833

Duncan Keys Secretary0113 242 8833

Phil Thomas SNC0131 443 8105

Steve Lewis Research Offi cer0113 242 8833

Private Sector Committee

This Conference was to debate and decide our stance towards those workers

who are employed in the Private Sector. Those who have custody of criminals and detainees on behalf of the United Kingdom but work for contracted companies.

The question raised at that 1998 Conference was:

“In light of the Home Secretary’s statement to our Annual Conference in 1998, that all new prisons will be privatised and market testing work re-introduced; Conference authorises with immediate eff ect the national committee to recruit in the Private Sector”.

This motion was accepted and passed.Thus, for the fi rst time in its history the POA

began to recruit and represent workers in the

Criminal Justice System who are employed by private companies.

Since that time, the POA has supported hundreds of members in grievances, discipline codes and taken legal cases to conclusion. We have slowly but surely achieved a mind-set change, with some of the private companies now having a diff erent view and healthy respect for this Union.

However, the law still very much inhibits our quest for recognition; therefore our progress in producing a steady growth in private sector membership remains a formidable task.

POA private sector representationThe past thirteen years though have taught us that there are those who work in the private sector who care very much about their colleagues and their conditions of service. These are the people who put themselves forward, organise for us and they are worth their weight in gold.

To take on the role of POA offi cial in the private sector takes a special type of person. Fortunately, many of those have joined us.

We now look towards further private sector branches of this Union being formed (watch this space). This Union will continue to give fi rst class support and training to our branch offi cials wherever you may be. Those companies, who had foresight to enter into voluntary recognition agreements with us, already know that we work in a business-like and professional manner.

It is amazing to refl ect that thirteen years ago at TUC

Congress House, (12th November 1998) the POA held

a Special Delegates Conference.

To everyone who derives benefi t from belonging to or engaging with this Trades Union, we look forward to the next thirteen years and beyond.

Together we really do make a diff erence.

Best wishes to you all.

Tom RobsonChairman of the PrivateSector Committee

26 Strictly Private.indd 26 28/3/11 14:17:40

FINANCIAL STATEMENT


POAThe Professional Trades Union for Prison,

Correctional and Secure Psyhciatric Workers

Wilkins KennedyChartered Accountants

Bridge HouseLondon Bridge

London SE1 9QR

UN

IT

Y IS STREN

GT

H

UN

I T E D W E S T OO

D29th AUGUST 2007

Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2010

Financial statement 1.indd 27 24/3/11 11:33:18

FINANCIAL STATEMENT



CONFERENCE MOTIONS


RULES AND CONSTITUTION

1.To remove Rule 2.1(m) from the Rules and Constitution of this Union.SWALESIDE

2.Amend Rule 6.3 to read, andUpon retirement recipients of the Cronin Clasp receive the equivalent benefits of an Honorary Life Member.LIVERPOOL

3.New Rule 8.7(c) Members who qualified for their subscriptions to be waived under Rule 8.7(a) and (b) shall not be entitled to reclaim paid subscriptions, save for 3 months maximum, if they failed to apply at the appropriate time. Further, the NEC ensure branch officials to adhere to the administration of this rule.NEC

4.Amend Rule 10.1 (c) to read That with effect from the end of Annual Conference 2013 the number of National Vice Chairs on the National Executive Committee will reduce from two to one. The Rules and Constitution will then be amended to reflect this change.LATCHMERE HOUSE

5.Delete Rule 10.1(d)That with effect from the end of Annual Conference 2013 the elected post of Finance Officer will cease. The Rules and Constitution will then be amended to reflect this change.LATCHMERE HOUSE

6.Amend Rule 12.2 to include:When a call for Special Conference is made by any branch, the General Secretary publishes a branch secretary circular to that effect, including a copy of the proposed motion/s and the deadline for the branches to respond to the request.BURE

7.New Rule 12.7(f )Motions on any Conference Agenda cannot be put to a vote of withdrawal without prior agreement from the proposers’ branch. The branch agreement to withdraw such a motion must come from a duly convened branch meeting held at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the Conference. LATCHMERE HOUSE

8.New Rule 12.7 (f ) or (g)Only elected POA representatives will be allowed to speak to motions presented to any Annual or Special Delegates Conference. LATCHMERE HOUSE

9.New Rule 20.3(j)That each branch appoints a suitable person to act as Equality Committee member for the benefit of every member, where possible.LOW NEWTON

DIVERSITY

10.Conference mandate the NEC to negotiate with NOMS the replacement of the Racial Incident Referral with a Diversity Incident Referral FormLIVERPOOL

GENERAL MATTERS

11.Conference accepts Conference Paper 1 - The POA Welfare Fund Constitution NEC

12.That Honorary Life Membership is awarded to Steve Oxby.NEC

13.That Honorary Life Membership is awarded to David Melrose.NEC

14.That Conference ratifies the appointment of Joe Simpson as an Assistant General Secretary.NEC

15.That Conference ratifies the appointment of Andy Hogg as an Assistant General Secretary.NEC

16.To debate the apathy that exists amongst the membership and branch committees towards union business.GARTH

17.To establish a Consultative Committee to address any apathy amongst POA members and Branch Committees.GARTH

18.That Conference condemns the Prison Service for its short sighted and potentially dangerous repercussions of cost cutting.MOORLAND

19.That Conference debate the implications of past, present and future efficiencies and cost cutting within the Prison Service.MOORLAND

20.Debate the benefits to the Branch, to the Union by engaging in the Market Test process since Conference 2008.BIRMINGHAM

21.Conference mandates the NEC to oppose any further market testing of prison services with industrial action up to and including strike action. BIRMINGHAM

22.During the Comprehensive Spending Review the NEC should oppose the imposition of Market Testing on any prison suffering a reduced performance as a result of the budget cuts.MORTON HALL

Motions.indd 40 24/3/11 11:58:30

23.Should any prison be subject to Market Testing due to the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review, then industrial action up to and including strike action should be taken.MORTON HALL

24.This Union delivers a clear message to NOMS that until the cuts to front line staff are stopped, we will only work to our terms and conditions and all work that we deliver either through goodwill or for minimal payment will cease.HOLME HOUSE

25.That Conference instructs the NEC to press NOMS for urgent clarification on what national criteria and processes will be used for identifying compulsory redundancies.HOLME HOUSE

26.That the NEC condemns NOMS for the rising violence in prisons which will only get worse as more front line jobs are cut and discuss what action we as a Union are going to take to protect the health and safety of our members.HOLME HOUSE

27.Debate how we better engage Union membership.EVERTHORPE

28.That Conference debates the use of NEC resources in handling Codes of Discipline and how this impacts on deliverance of the core work of the Union.HOLME HOUSE

29.That Conference commends Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and the NHS local security management specialist in their successful record of prosecuting assailants of POA members.RAMPTON

30.Conference accepts that before any motion is placed before it to affiliate to the Labour Party, a clear commitment is given to the POA to include some or all of the following in their manifesto:-No Privatisation for Public Sector PrisonsAll privately operated prisons to be returned to the Public Sector as soon as contractually possible.The abolition of any Market Testing/Competition Dialogue Process in respect of public prisons.The restoration of our Trade Union Rights and abolition of anti-trade union legislation.NEC

31.A more cost effective location for branch officials training is sought.MORTON HALL

32.That Conference instructs the NEC to seek urgent clarification from the Government and the PSMB on the future role of the Prison Service Pay Review Body in light of the 2 year pay freeze imposed by the Government.HOLME HOUSE

33.In light of the increased number of serious assaults on prison officers the case needs to be made ever stronger during pay negotiations that prison officers should be treated as a special case in terms of remuneration, thus reflecting the dangerous element of their job.WORMWOOD SCRUBS

34.Conference instructs the NEC to conduct a workplace ballot. The ballot being to establish if the membership wish the NEC to seek a flexible working week for all members; in line with the working week offered to Officer 2s.HOLLESLEY BAY

35.That the NEC should negotiate with the MoJ and come to an agreement whereby all NEC representatives, who are directly employed by the Prison Service, are paid from the centre and not their originating establishment.BRINSFORD

36.That the NEC work towards ensuring that all POA members have an independent complaints authority to investigate allegations of wrong doing against our members and grievances raised by our members.BLUNDESTON

37.That the NEC negotiate the inclusion of the wording “negotiation” into the Ministry of Justice – NOMS – Notice to Staff 59/2010, and that the Prison Service/NOMS impress upon Governing Governors and Heads of Groups the ethos of negotiation not just consultation !SWALESIDE

38.That all retiring members of the POA be given some form of retirement pack if requested by the local branch, this to be determined by the Finance Committee.SWALESIDE

39.That Conference instructs the NEC to set up a system to inform members of the progress on Conference resolutions. This should take the form of a newsletter or (e-mail form) to be circulated at 3, 6 and 9 month intervals after each Annual Conference.HOLME HOUSE

40.For all Branch Committees to open negotiations with both Management and POA Learning to discuss the possibility of opening a link centre at their establishment.For all Branch Committees to help, alongside POA Learning, develop and promote the ULR role within their establishment.NEC

41.That Conference acknowledge the efforts and commitments of members who organise, take part and form staff parades when laying members to rest and on remembrance parades NEC

42.That the members of the Gatelodge Editorial Board are given a vote of censure for their decision to limit Branch News contributions to our Gatelodge magazine to 500 words.LATCHMERE HOUSE

CONFERENCE MOTIONS


Motions.indd 41 24/3/11 11:58:38

CONFERENCE MOTIONS


43.That Branch News contributions from branches to our Gatelodge magazine are restricted to a maximum of 1500 words. Further, with effect from the end of Annual Conference 2011 only Annual Conference can approve any alteration to the word count limit for Branch News contributions to our Gatelodge magazine.LATCHMERE HOUSE

44.Conference accepts the POA diary needs to be modernised and streamlined in an effort to reduce costs and encourage members to access the POA website to attain up to date information. Therefore, Conference authorises the NEC to review and redesign the entire contents of the diary and any changes made to come into effect in the 2012 edition. NEC

45.That future POA diaries contain a ribbon page divider.SWALESIDE

46.In an attempt to reduce costs, become more environmentally responsible and encourage members to access the POA website, all future POA Annual Reports are published in electronic format only. Once published, the Report will be made available and archived on the POA website.NEC

47.In an attempt to reduce costs, become more environmentally responsible and encourage members to access the POA website, all future POA Annual Conference Verbatim Reports are published in electronic format only. Once published, the Report will be made available and archived on the POA website.NEC

48.That all applications made to the Welfare fund are signed as appropriate by two Committee members, one of which must be Chair or Secretary. MOORLAND

49.The POA look into the creation of a Credit Union to allow members of the Association access to secure savings and cheap loans for them and their families.NOTTINGHAM

50.Conference mandates the NEC to investigate the cost and feasibility of a POA coffin drape or ceremonial flag.LIVERPOOL

51.That a POA Monthly lottery is set up.MORTON HALL

52.That Conference re-introduce the practice of delegates gift packs. This is to allow any spares or unused items to be used by POA activists at Political Rally’s and Events and Union Rally’s and Events.LITTLEHEY

53.That Conference authorise the Finance Officer to release a reasonable amount of funds to purchase gifts and merchandise to be used by POA activists at Union and Political Rally’s and Events.LITTLEHEY

OPERATIONS

54.In the light of the disturbance at HMP Ford and the fragile nature of control within the open estate, all published and planned specifications and benchmarks for open prisons should be challenged locally, within region or nationally if they do not provide the adequate staffing levels or control measures that are needed to manage the increasingly challenging population that such establishments hold.LEYHILL

55.That the POA NEC negotiate with the Prison Service that the lowest grade orderly officer on nights is of senior officer rank or above.FORD

56.That Conference condemns the employers failure to ensure clear attendance systems for Prison Officer 2s that are consistent with the current profiling system. Conference instructs the NEC to negotiate a profiling system that accounts for the needs of officers working a 37 hour week as well as those working 39 hoursNOTTINGHAM

57.That the NEC try to negotiate a 37 hour working week.EVERTHORPE

58.Conference mandates the NEC to enter negotiations to reduce hours from 39 to 38 and 38 to 37 over two years, against a Government promise of no pay awards for two years.BIRMINGHAM

59.That the Prison Services’ Categorisation and Allocation policy is reviewed jointly by a Prison Service and POA Policy Review Team. A “terms of reference” for the Policy Review Team is to be jointly agreed and will include particular reference to the allocation of prisoners to the Open, Semi-Open and Resettlement Estate.LATCHMERE HOUSE

EMPLOYEE/INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

60.Conference debates the Facility Time Agreement and the shape and structure of the Union over the next five years.BIRMINGHAM

61.Conference recognises since the formation of the Coalition Government an unprecedented attack on Public Sector workers has been embarked upon. Conference also recognises that for the POA to meet those challenges as a trades union it is imperative that our members are represented to a high standard in order to promote and protect.Conference therefore authorises the NEC to carry out a Comprehensive examination of current POA structures to ensure the very best of representation is ensured for the membership in the years ahead and to make recommendations if necessary on changes.The report to be completed and circulated by the 31st December 2011 using appropriate resources for presentation at the latest to Annual Conference 2012.NEC

62.That the POA seek to ensure the very best representation both at National and Local Level in England and Wales.This will involve vigorously challenging the implications of Linda Kelly’s letter dated 25th November 2010 whereby giving notice of withdrawal from the current Facilities Agreements.NEC

Motions.indd 42 24/3/11 11:58:44

63.That the NEC negotiate with the Prison Service an increase in facility time for local POA representatives commensurate with their ever increasing workload.WORMWOOD SCRUBS

64.That every branch refuse to take part in any matters of joint interest until facility time is agreed and approved between the local branch and their Governor/Senior Manager.GARTH

65.That Conference debate the implications of, the appetite for and the alternatives to industrial action in general and strike action in particular.MOORLAND

66.Conference condemns the ongoing imposition of changes to the contracts of Principals Officers on the Developing Prison Service Managers programme. Further, Conference instructs the NEC to pursue clarity and fairness to the DPSM programme.NOTTINGHAM

67.That the POA actively represent Principal Officers on the DPSM programme.NOTTINGHAM

68.This union condemns the Ministry of Justice at all levels for the lip service that is given to zero tolerance to violence in prisons.NOTTINGHAM

69.That POA members withdraw from performing voluntary duties such as C&R advanced for Tornado except for preservation of life.MOORLAND

70.Conference mandates that the NEC do not engage with NOMS until a full Disputes Agreement is in place.LIVERPOOL

71.That Conference debate whether there is any benefit of self-assessment over the current PAYE system for Prison Staff.STOKE HEATH

72.That the NEC seek to reach an agreement with the Prison Service that any sickness taken by staff due to accidents at work should not count within KPT figures.STOKE HEATH

73.That the NEC seek to reach agreement with the Prison Service that any sickness taken by staff due to work related injury should not count within KPT figures.STOKE HEATH

74.That the NEC seek to reach agreement with the Prison Service that any sickness taken by staff due to assault should not count within KPT figures.STOKE HEATH

75.Conference mandates the NEC to engage with the employer in a strategy to deliver efficiency savings and performance improvement through a Performance Improvement Planning exercise in partnershipBIRMINGHAM

HR

76.That Conference condemns the Prison Service for the closure of the PO Grade/Rank and the de-facto closure and stagnation of all grades below that rank.MOORLAND

77.That Conference debate the impact on the Service of the closure of the Principal Officer Grade/Rank.MOORLAND

78.That the NEC negotiates a framework that will ensure the protection of Principal Officers, failed or reverting DPSM.MOORLAND

79.Conference instructs the NEC to pursue equal pay for Principal Officers on the DPSM programme doing work equivalent to that of Prison Service Operational Manager F.NOTTINGHAM

80.That Conference condemns the Prison Service for the introduction of a two tier pay structure via the introduction of the Prison Officer 2 grade.MOORLAND

81.That Conference debate the implications of the introduction of the Prison Officer 2 grade.MOORLAND

82.That this conference seeks a review from NOMS of the Prison Officer 2 role, pay, terms and conditions with the view to equal pay.NOTTINGHAM

83.That if the NOMS board change our current terms & conditions without consultation, or impose new conditions which are detrimental to our members, necessary action will be taken up to an including strike action.PARKHURST

84.In line with efficiency savings the Senior Officers JSAC should be scrapped.LIVERPOOL

85.That Conference instructs the NEC to form a committee representing all areas of the POA to form a plan of action, should any member of this Union suffer any potential detriment with the introduction of JES.If this Motion is accepted, this is to be completed within 3 months of the close of Conference.LOW NEWTON

86.That this Association adopts a policy of non-co-operation with the In Vision/My Detail Rostering Tool.RISLEY

CONFERENCE MOTIONS


Motions.indd 43 24/3/11 11:58:51

CONFERENCE MOTIONS


87.That Conference propose that we boycott and withdraw from participating with In Vision/My Detail, as it is not fit for purpose.BULLWOOD HALL

88.That Conference condemns the abuse of the current Code of Discipline system and authorises the NEC to negotiate a new policy.LOW NEWTON

89.That any member of staff who has been investigated by the Police and cleared of all charges should not be investigated by the Prison Service.LIVERPOOL

80.The NEC negotiate the right for staff to have all internal grievances and capability hearings audio taped as per the current standards for investigations to ensure that members are protected, by giving a true and accurate account of the meeting.NORWICH

91.Conference mandates the NEC to negotiate with NOMS that in the process of a capability hearing, if the governing authority requires additional medical information from a consultant or other medical professional, the gaining of such information should be requested by and cost borne by the employer.LIVERPOOL

92.Conference mandates the NEC to consult, discuss and affirm with the SSC that …Branch and Union officials who by arrangement have the agreement of their member to make enquiries on behalf of the member … Shall not be told by the SSC that certain detail and information is out of scope or protected by the Data Protection Act. BIRMINGHAM

93.Considering the sharp and unexpected rise in the cost of living the NEC make every effort to re-open pay negotiations directly with the Government in an attempt to make them reconsider the imposition of a two year pay freeze.WORMWOOD SCRUBS

94.That the NEC negotiate with the Prison Service an operational emergency rate for the OSG Grade above their current overtime rate.FORD

95.In light of the number of increased duties and responsibilities given to Senior Officer Grades following the abolition of the Principal Officers this union negotiates an increase in pay to reflect this.NOTTINGHAM

96.That the National Executive negotiate a payment system for the payment of bedwatches and payment plus which makes the Department automatically pay these payments and not a system where the individual member of staff has to put a claim to be paid these payments.FULL SUTTON

97.That the National Executive negotiate a payment of average payment plus and bed watch payments for staff who are off on sick leave due to an assault or accident at work.FULL SUTTON

98.Any meal breaks incurred by members of staff when extended by management should be paid.HOLME HOUSE

99.The NEC enters into negotiations to raise the travel and subsistence payments by 10% within the budgetary year 2011/2012 and subsequently increase travel and subsistence payments in line with inflation annually.WORMWOOD SCRUBS

100.Conference mandates the NEC to affirm with the employer that when staff are asked to work additional shifts for TOIL, staff are entitled to identify a shift within their system of attendance for that TOIL to be re-paid and that shift is:-1. Comparable, in terms of weekend working or in terms of Red Hours.2. Acceptable in the view of the Member.BIRMINGHAM

101.That the NEC instruct the relevant negotiators to seek a minimum of double time and a day in lieu for any member that is required to work Christmas or New Year.EDINBURGH

102.Conference mandates the NEC to negotiate with NOMS that in lieu of the statutory holidays, a staff entitlement to pre-book up to 11 single days leave at the start of the leave year in line the Bulletin 8 block leave.LIVERPOOL

103.Conference mandates the NEC to seek an increase in the Annual Leave allowance to reflect long service. Staff to accrue 1 extra days leave for each additional 5 years service over and above 10 years.HOLLESLEY BAY

104.That any member of staff with 20 years of more service be allowed to waive their pension rights and accept a remuneration at the cost of £10,000 per year, to leave the Service forthwith.BRISTOL

105.That Conference instructs the NEC to negotiate with NOMS to provide profiled fitness training hours for those staff whose terms and conditions insist on a yearly fitness test so that the agreed fitness level is maintained.HOLME HOUSE

106.That the POA encourage, support and fully fund Branch and National representatives who request training in Employment Law and advocacy in Employment Tribunals.LATCHMERE HOUSE

HEALTH AND SAFETY

107.The NEC negotiate with the Prison Service management to have all ceramic cups, plates and bowls removed from the possession of prisoners, in line with the removal of glass items already undertaken as per NTS 35/2010. This should be undertaken for health and safety reasons, due to the recent assaults on staff and for the safety of all staff and prisoners.GARTREE

Motions.indd 44 24/3/11 11:59:00

108.That Conference propose that during patrol state there will be a cessation of activities that increase the risks and endanger the health and safety of our members with minimum staff and insufficient response.BULLWOOD HALL

109.In order to protect the health and safety of staff, prisoners and visitors the NEC insist that all operational DPSMs working in establishments where batons are issued should carry a baton.FULL SUTTON

110.Conference mandates the NEC to negotiate with the employer the provision of TWO pairs of boots/shoes annually to adequately reflect the needs of staff.BIRMINGHAM

REPORT BACKS

111.Report back on all Motions carried at Conference 2010.PARKHURST

112.That the NEC report back on Holme House Motion 42 and inform Conference as to what has been put in place with regards to our own front line staff survey.HOLME HOUSE

SECURITY AND CUSTODY

113.Conference debates Zero Tolerance to violence in prisons and changes to the Code of Discipline in regard of Annex C of PSO 2000 and it’s interpretation :-A Governor’s view or a CPS view that “only minor injury was the intended or likely outcome of such an assault.”BIRMINGHAM

114.Conference instructs the NEC to engage with NOMS regarding PSI 49/2010. This instruction has severe implications for the security and good order of prisons and the safety of staff working in establishments.HOLLESLEY BAY

115.That the POA NEC negotiate with the Prison Service that all establishments contain within them a minimum tornado commitment.FORD

116.That the “Blakey Report” be condemned for its recommendation that “drug dogs” be removed from jails other than “locals”, furthermore this Union makes it policy to have “drug dogs” returned to all jails.SWALESIDE

117.That the NEC seeks a stoppage of local payments for C&R equipment and it is replaced by national procurement ensuring all establishments have in place appropriate resources at all times.MORTON HALL

118.That all prison officers are to be issued pepper spray as well as their extendable batons for better protection against potential assault.BULLWOOD HALL

119.That Conference condemn NOMS for the introduction of PSI 57/2010 - The Replacement of the Standard Footwear Allowance for Uniformed Grades with Non-Slip Footwear.LOW NEWTON

120.That all staff whose job entails them having to work outside, be provided with thermal clothing, which is suitable and sufficient.PARKHURST

121.That staff in the Operational Support Grade be allowed to undertake the Hostage Negotiators training course and become Hostage Negotiators.LATCHMERE HOUSE

122.That the NEC via the Uniform sub-committee negotiate that staff have a choice of jumpers or a fleece.STOCKEN

123.The NEC ask for pullovers to be put back on the Uniform list.EDMUNDS HILL

HEALTHCARE

124.That Conference debates the way in which assaults by patients upon POA members are dealt with within the High Secure Hospitals.RAMPTON

125.Local branches seek full recognition rights from the establishments health care provider.LIVERPOOL

126.Local branches seek a seat on the prison health provider partnership board.LIVERPOOL

CONFERENCE MOTIONS


Motions.indd 45 24/3/11 11:59:07

WELFARE FUND


POA WELFARE FUND(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Wilkins KennedyGreytown House

221-227 High StreetOrpington, Kent

BR6 0NZ

Report & Financial StatementsYear ended 31 December 2010

Registered Company No: 5947132

fiinancial statements 2.indd 46 24/3/11 11:49:15

WELFARE FUND


46-57 fiinancial statements 2.indd 47 5/4/11 14:54:44

WELFARE FUND



POA LEARNING


A brand new POA Learning Centre has been opened at Dover Immigration Removal Centre.

The centre will offer staff the opportunity to access a range of e-learning and classroom

based courses, providing them with the chance to learn new skills and gain qualifications at their workplace.

The centre, which officially opened on Tuesday 15th February, is thanks to a pro-active ULR based at Dover, Mark Bennett. Mark, along with staff at Eastchurch POA Learning Centre (Kent’s regional centre), has worked tirelessly to set up the facility for staff. The facility, equipped with six laptop computers and wireless Internet, will be open for two afternoons a week, and among other things, will offer qualifications in numeracy, literacy and ICT.

The centre was officially opened by POA NEC Chair, Colin Moses. If you are a member of staff at Dover HMIRC, and would like to find out more about the centre, and what you can study there, please contact Mark Bennett,

or Gareth Williams (POA Learning Regional Manager), at:Mark Bennett: [email protected] Williams: [email protected]

LINK CENTRE OPENED AT HMRC DOVER

POA UNION LEARNING CENTRE AT HMP DARTMOORThe Learning Centre at HMP Dartmoor has now been opened for twelve months and the success of the project continues.

Since opening its doors, Centre Manager, Senior Officer Andy Harding has focused heavily

on promoting the availability of IT training, languages, Skills for Life and Open University study to name but few of the learning opportunities available.

This approach has worked positively, with the Centre achieving 250 learner starts during the first year as well as 191 individuals receiving information, advice and guidance sessions from Andy and the Union Learning Reps linked to the Centre.

These figures pay positive testimony to the enthusiasm for POA Union Learning from the staff within the walls of HMP Dartmoor.

In conjunction with local BBC Radio, Andy is in the process of helping local volunteers encourage residents from the local isolated community to get online by using the resources available to them in the Union Learning Centre.

Andy HardingCentre ManagerHMP Dartmoor

58 POA Learning.indd 58 24/3/11 10:57:31

WORLD

BOOK

DAY

MA

RC

H 3 2011

POA LEARNING


There was much happiness when we realized just how much had been accomplished

at HMP Full Sutton Learning Centre.The POA Learning Centre has been open

for three years but Tuesday 8th March 2011 saw the formal opening of the renamed and upgraded learning centre.

Thanks to the hard work of the Union Learning reps from HMP Full Sutton and the support of the Governors, the learning centre is now a Regional Centre in North Yorkshire.

We are housed in the establishment’s Training Centre and as such, our learners have access to a high spec IT suite and roomy and well-resourced classrooms and training facilities.

When looking for a name for the rebranded centre – the decision was straightforward. Deputy Governor, Ed Cornmell, has given support and encouragement to the ULRs to build the centre as far and as high as they could. Their accomplishment was rewarded with the formal opening, by Colin Moses.

Ed was very surprised, but pleased we think with the accolade. In the picture above Ed certainly looks very happy!

So now it’s onwards and upwards. We have more ambitious plans for the future. Those plans include the staff at Full Sutton,their families, friends and membersof the local community making thecentre their fi rst port of call for alltheir learning needs.

Get in touch – we would bedelighted to hear from you -01759 475110 – oremail ellen.schofi [email protected]

TEA AND TOAST?Nigel Slater’s autobiography covers his life frommid childhood to mid adolescence.

The story begins with burnt toast and ends with profi teroles and hot chocolate sauce.

Between lies a universe bounded by Caramac, grilled grapefruit, Terry’s All Gold, Bisto, crab and watercress sandwiches, cheese and onion crisps, Campbell’s meatballs in gravy, lemon meringue, hostess trolleys, Hush Puppies, Pyrex plates, driving gloves of string and leather, books from the Folio Society, winceyette sheets, salmon pink begonias, Dreft, The Golden Shot and Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased): No brand name, no iconic artefact seems to escape Slater’s omnivorous memory (Fort 2003)

This book was gifted to staff at HMP Lindholme on World Book Day 3rd March 2011. It was very easy giving away our 48

books. Staff were met as the morning shift started and we took copies onto the wings. As you can see above, all look pleased to have a copy to read: Everyone who took a copy promised to pass it on to another reader or put it in the prison library.

World Book Day – a great idea that we hope will continue every year.

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OPENS ED CORNMELL POA LEARNING CENTRE“There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.” Henry Ford.

59 POA Learning.indd 59 5/4/11 15:06:58

BRANCH NEWS


CHELMSFORD

As we go to print the age old professions of one-upmanship and back stabbing are still alive

and kicking at Chelmsford, where another person’s misfortune only serves to keep the kak off your back for as long as it takes another person to be up to their necks in it. A bit harsh, I hear you mutter but hey ho, it’s true.

But you can’t believe everything you hear. It’s like the old First World War expression of “send reinforcements we’re going to advance” but by the time it ended up at the head shed the message was “send three and four pence we’re going to a dance.”

Well, all over the news it’s cutbacks and savings. Well Mr. Cameron, me thinks you need to take a long hard look at how many managers, deputy managers, hangers on and camp followers this fi rm has and by “fi rm” I mean the prison service as a whole. Talk about the tree wilting from the top. Why don’t they ever start pruning from the top?!

At Chelmsford wedo the crab…That position is looking iff y, no problem, just do the Chelmsford crab i.e. move sideways and reinvent another invaluable post that wasn’t needed a week ago. While I am on a rant and because I know people do read this, wouldn’t it be nice to see someone in authority out on the car park barrier early one morning just checking who uses the car park and why? If you’re a civilian employee, why must you be in the car park at 0700hrs? I, like other dinosaurs, remember a time when no civilian staff were allowed in the establishment before 0800 hrs. Now we have staff coming in on their start times only to end up in queue with civilian staff who are in well before their start time so they can have a cup of tea and a Hob Nob thus causing landing staff to be late on the wings. Trying to get your keys in the morning is like standing in the queue on the self-service! With “I need a radio so I don’t feel left out.” No need for civilian staff to be in that early - maybe someone in authority could stand near the gate lock and ask what is your starting time and please come back at that time. Ok let’s crack on:

Charity boxingA while ago we held a charity boxing match between HMP Chelmsford’s fi nest and some cheating lying low life thugs from the

Metropolitan Police (not my words honest) The outcome was a draw at seven all.

The main and best winner of the night was the HELP FOR HEROES charity. The event was well attended and even the people who were on the tom and dick turned up.

Everyone who participated in the boxing was a star and a big fantastic thank you should go out to all. I would like to state that we had female offi cers and operational support grades boxing on the night as well. But no rank, funny that.

We have lots of new faces about the prison and lots who have turned up, looked about and made a unilateral decision to give it a month and then jack it in. No one saw that coming did they?! Apparently they have been head hunted by McDonald’s, the pay’s better and all the burgers you can troff off the hotplate without someone having a hissy fi t behind you.

We still have our salmonella food machines dishing out E.Coli daily and overpriced, out of date sandwiches. How much does it cost to rent them each month?! We have a perfectly good kitchen in the staff rest room that with a little help from the good old boys in works would be able to serve hot meals etc. Money saver or what? Our small car park has become an exclusive VIP zone where, God forbid; an unclean screw should try and park with the beady eye of the ‘gate statzie’ looking at you.

Wait for it; soon we will have a “you’ve parked in the small car park book” next to the “late in” book beside that empty space full of cobwebs and dust where the “late out” book should be. Remember, its swings and roundabouts. What low life Neanderthal came up with that saying?! All I can say about that is, go out on time and not before then, come in on time and not before. And if you’re not out on time claim it! People are quick to say you owe this amount of time but never too eager to give you time owed.CLAIM WHAT YOU’RE OWED!

The story of Offi cer VinceWell going down a diff erent track is the story of Offi cer Vince in communications who was told that an ambulance had been called to the prison for an ill prisoner.

Now picture the scene, Offi cer Vince to the gate: “Let me know when the ambulance arrives at the gate and I will get staff to meet it.”

Gate to Offi cer Vince: “It’s landing as we speak on the astro turf.”

Offi cer Vince to the gate: WHAT?! Followed by: Hello Victor One (who

happened to be Governor Fresle) he had six kittens and a mild heart attack and Offi cer Vince was looking for the fan that the inevitable poo would hit. But in good old Chelmsford fashion someone was heard to shout out over the noise of the rotor blades “We’re going to need a longer closeting chain.”

Someone bought a tape measure in the other day just to see if John Smoker could be legally called a hobbit. He can. It’s offi cial!

A two man jobThe works department bless them all. Never in the history of Chelmsford has so much been asked of so few by so many. Only to be greeted in unison with one voice stating, I’ll see what I can do but it’s not a promise. Or I’m on my own now and that’s a two man job.

Dennis Bent still comes out with playground jokes on a daily basis, most aren’t worth a titter but once in a while he has a fl ash of inspiration. Usually every four years.

Stand up for yourrights and beliefs.It’s been ages since any jottings have been in Gatelodge and I must apologise for that. Last but by no means least I must add that in the coming summer of discontent if we have to stand outside let’s stand together. Unity is the only way. I for one hope we don’t have to but sometimes you have to stand up for your rights and beliefs.

I said in a POA meeting many years ago that this dog has two ends we’ve been kicked up the backside for ages it’s time to show the teeth at the other end and start snapping and snarling. Let’s not kid ourselves - we all do a dangerous, unappreciated unthankful job where we have been stepped on, shafted and toyed with for years. We have been threatened, lied to, backstabbed and ignored by consecutive governments. And I am sad to say, my personal opinion is I think we have lost our clout.

Please prove me wrong POA.

MICKY B

Chelmsford calling. Chelmsford calling.

60-67 Branch News.indd 60 28/3/11 14:54:55

BRANCH NEWS


Jenny was nearly earlyWelcome from Low Newton. Yes, we do still exist and no, we’re not due for closure (unless anybody in Durham and Holme House knows diff erently). We start our jottings with a tale of an offi cer prepared to go not just an extra mile but a marathon. Offi cer E’s (not her real name) alarm went off , she went to start her car, struggling for an eternity before admitting defeat and ringing work to warn of her late arrival. Imagine the scene when a bemused night orderly offi cer asked why she’d rung especially as it was only 2.30 am! A good made-up story of “oh I dropped my phone and it must have reset itself ” appeared but Jenny, for once, you would have been early!

Please get involvedWe recently found out (three days before Christmas) that our healthcare was to be tendered out to a private company starting in April 2011. Typical of this process of making profi ts out of those less fortunate was the date of informing staff . We believe that this is only the start of more privatisation (sorry, using stakeholders and the voluntary sector) in delivering vital work within prisons.

Our branch chair has been attending meetings with other public sector trade unions under the name of the Northern Public Sector Alliance. They have held various public meetings, rallies and leafl eting events to raise the profi le of what is happening to public sector workers under this Government. Colleagues, we urge you all to get involved in fi ghting these cuts, the NEC can only do so much! This is an ideal opportunity to show the public what a vital role we do in protecting the community as well as reducing the re-off ending rate.

On a lighter note, has anyone managed to complete the compulsory refresher training on ‘Information Assurance for NOMS’? I don’t know how I did it – could be something to do with the fact that it allowed me to have two attempts at answering the questions, then gave me the correct answers and even allowed me to try them again. Somehow I managed to

‘cheat’ my way to a mind blowing 93 percent, something I never achieved even on my Cycling Profi ciency Test!

If anyone from NOMS thinks that this achieves anything, well think again – the SATs test for school age children have never achieved anything so what makes you think this will? I’ve just thought of a way of how to save some money which will not aff ect frontline staff – have you? Answers on a postcard or a stuck down envelope to Mr Spurr, care of G4S – Oops sorry that was an ex-director general who consults for them now – sorry Michael!

Budget cutsWe have recently had our budget cuts

announced for the coming fi nancial year –3 percent or approximately £340,000. Three managers, the removal of two specialist offi cer posts (pre JES –but don’t call me cynical), not fi lling psychological vacancies, reducing the works staffi ng, other minor cost cutting and the reduction in use of agency staff . Don’t know how healthcare will run but when those nice people from Care UK take over everything will be rosy in their garden!

I sometimes wonder where the backbones of our leaders (nationally) have gone, in fi ghting these cuts instead of accepting and implementing them without as much as a whimper. Do they want a service that delivers a quality service or do they want a discount supermarket style of service? But then again, why are we surprised? If they didn’t do it they would fi nd someone else to do it as we all know the tactics they use to get to the top! I suppose if they had all joined a proper trade union things may be diff erent…

We’ve probably heard of the problems with Facebook and the dangers staff face, imagine when a picture of you appears as your profi le snap, from 20ish years ago with hair, only one chin and a 1970s style ‘tache. Do your colleagues: A) Express their sympathyB) Wet themselves laughing, or C) Say thank God I don’t upset my wife

that much!

Anyone with the answers please let Dave Bainbridge know, who also has copies of the off ending photos which are ideal for putting on your mantel piece to keep the kids away from the fi re.

Stay safeAlready the New Year hasn’t started off very

positively with numerous disturbances, so stay safe and watch each others’ backs – there’s no one else to do it!

As our health and safety is at risk, how many members of staff will be helping themselves and sticking to the rules or will they just carry on in the same old way disregarding everything that’s put in place to protect them? Health and Safety is our only protection so we need to use it. There’s no point complaining about what you perceive the NEC is doing or not doing unless you are prepared to do something as well.

As Billy Bragg sang: “There is power in a factory, power in the land.

Power in the hands of a worker. But it all amounts to nothing if together we

don’t stand together. There is power in a Union.” Truer words have never been spoken! With

the attack on our pensions, our wages our jobs and not to beat about the bush, our lives, we need to stand together and ask ourselves not what has this Union done for me, but what I can do for this Union?

Illegitimus non carborundum

LOW NEWTON

This is the fi rst jottings in a while so we start by wishing a bon voyage to all those who have left and a welcome to all those who have joined us. We wish a speedy recovery to all those off sick and to those who are on maternity leave; enjoy yourselves, the time is precious and we’ll still be here when it’s time for you to return.

60-67 Branch News.indd 61 23/3/11 16:12:12

BRANCH NEWS


FORD

Welcome from the battered (but not defeated) open prison that is HMP Ford.

Members of staff have told me that they have missed my jottings

in Gatelodge over the last few months, so here is the latest instalment, just for them.

Sadly, I will have to open these jottings with a biggest thing to happen since I arrived at Ford. The New Year’s Riot

A massive thanks to all those staff who attended Ford on the night of our darkest hours; thanks to the Tornado teams, OSG drivers, National Instructors, National Dog Teams and anyone else that attended during the incident not forgetting the Ford staff , it is due to your professional attitude and manner that the prison was returned to the control of staff as quickly as it was.

We have lost the mailroom, induction unit, cleaners, snooker hall, gym complex, B Wing centre and N1 and N2 accommodation.

On the night of the incident I saw staff with tears in their eyes, some believing it was the end of Ford. The staff who worked in the areas destroyed by fi re saw all their hard work just disappear before their eyes, feeling helpless as

there wasn’t anything they could do. The night staff were doubting their actions and asked themselves if they could have done anything diff erent. There wasn’t anything they could have done diff erently. This incident was planned by those involved and was fuelled by alcohol and drugs.

Where the fault liesThe Service will want a scapegoat for this riot, it will either be the No 1 Governor or another Governor grade or staff . But the blame should be landed squarely at MPs and the Prison Service’s door. They were warned about the problems at Ford (alcohol, drugs, and mobile phones) as far back as the open prison review at the House of Commons 2007 but failed to heed the warnings.

The Prison Service must learn lessons from this riot and put plans in place to stop an incident like this happening again. For Ford it is simple; send the correct category of prisoner to open prisons. That’s a D Category prisoner not a C Category prisoner. Any prisoner caught in possession of drugs, mobile phones or alcohol must be punished under the Off ender Management Act. The full weight of it!

The staff at Ford havetwo requests:Firstly, can staff in the open estate be issued an extendable baton to defend themselves against the prisoners MP Gerry Sutcliff e believed we didn’t have here in 2007? We do now. If you don’t think so, just look again at

the pictures and news footage of the riot.Secondly, can we have a mobile phone

jammer to stop the use of mobile phones to control the dropping of parcels containing alcohol or drugs or even more mobile phones?

A few farewells and a helloOn a much lighter note, we say goodbye to Stuart Leiper on his swap deal transfer to Lewes and welcome Andy Holford, as part of that deal. We welcome Ray Hill (yes, son of the recently departed Alan and Carol Hill) and Sarah Thompson to our ranks.

We also say goodbye to S/Os Jeff Bush and Roger Merritt and Offi cer Les Cleeve, who have taken retirement in one shape or form! Long may it last? To Jeff , I will see you soon when the ‘Tour’ is on next year I hope! (Note to self -sort out passport).

We have also answered the long asked question: Where did Elvis go when he left the building? He went to HMP Dover. Yes PEI Jack Mcvite (Elvis impersonator of this parish) left his car and house keys at Dover and had to drive back again to pick them up. Maybe he had Elvis on the radio to listen to?

The baby boom has started again at Ford for the year; well done to Debbie and Gordon Muir on the birth of their baby boy Cameron Alexander.

Any bits of gossip please pass it on.Just remember it’s a jungle out there. Take care!

Caffeine man

WINCHESTER

We start these jotting on a sad note. In the few weeks over Christmas

and New Year, Winchester said goodbye and farewell to seven retired offi cers, our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of Ken Balmer, Tony Cartwright, Harry Haggis, Jim Donovan,Dave Edwards, Stuart Howell, and John Price. Staff, past and present attended the funerals.

We have a number of staff on long term sick and our best wishes go to them for a full recovery.

As we write these jottings, another re-profi ling exercise has taken place, along with preparation of new shift patterns designed to impede on offi cers’ down time and reduce the amount of quality time at home with their families.

It never ceases to amaze how managers put together profi les and use those famous words ‘wing duties’ they cannot even tell you what ‘wing duties’ are, yet they are two words they use all the time. When these profi les were presented, the branch committee, and others, pointed out things that were not correct and/or are unworkable, also having a detrimental eff ect on the prison regime. As always at this point, staff are accused of being obstructive and infl exible and so the Governor imposes the profi le. Having imposed the profi le, when it starts to cause the problems that have already been highlighted, the Governor then decides that it is not the profi le or shift pattern that is to blame, rather it is again staff s infl exibility and refusal to see, or look at the bigger picture, although, it could be because we are all blind and stupid - as suggested by one manager a while ago.

Does this last paragraph make any sense? No of course it doesn’t, but I thought I would write it in the same style as all of the new profi les we seem to have had at this place in the last couple of years.

In recent weeks there have been quite a few staff coming on duty all bleary eyed and tired after sitting up to all hours cheering on the England Cricket team down under in their victorious Ashes campaign. The England team manager and his coaching staff have got the team motivated and performing to the very highest standards. The same cannot be said of Winchester Prison, the team manager and coaching staff have certainly lost this dressing room.

Good news!Now for some good news. All will be glad to learn, (especially offi cers on D wing), that Jacko has responded well to his professional treatment and re-training, and is coming out of his bizarre thoughts very well. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Tug.

I would like to end these jotting by sending best wishes and regards to all colleagues up and down the country, Scotland and Northern Ireland, keep safe, may the force be with you and live long and prosper but most of all don’t let the b…s grind you down. G.G. Head

60-67 Branch News.indd 62 28/3/11 14:55:16


BRANCH NEWS

The Committee cautiously recommended the profi les as a budget proposal, leaving shift

patterns for further negotiation. We were faced with potential cuts that would have meant redundancies or a budget that would reduce posts with the work going with it and no job losses.

Steve Gillan, our General Secretary attended the Branch with NEC Rep John Hancock and

explained the diffi culties we were facing as a Union. Our new banner made an appearance at the meeting and I hope it brought a good turn-out for the 26th March rally.

The HMCIP has been in to see how we were doing and they were less than impressed. I believe that they have been unduly harsh as we recently saw our rating move up from a Level 2 to a 3. We must be getting something right but with the Ombudsman, IMB and

HMCIP, who are we believe?Operation fast telephone? Strike action?

RAF training to run prisons? Who knows exactly but I wonder if the forces will be trained in dealing with transsexual prisoners, padded bras and make up? Human rights I believe.

Stewart McLaughlinBranch Secretary

WANDSWORTH Our profi ling exercise has come to an end and the Branch took avery diffi cult decision to accept.

BULLWOOD HALL A warm welcome to you all, fromeveryone at Bullwood Hall, here in sun-ny Essex. Well we are in Essex anyway.

Not much in the way of comings and goings since the last jottings. We do say

goodbye to Governor Paul Elsey and SO Donna Elsey who have moved to Australia and to Kev Evans who has

A wet and warm welcome to you all from ‘The Wood’.

Firstly, I would like to apologise to all and sundry ref the lack of jottings lately….Note to self,

must try harder!Well what a time we’ve had here in the last

few months. After the shenanigans in June on the exercise yard we have had three more occasions where ‘extra help’ was required. In October we had fi ve of the little darlings, whoops sorry - didn’t mean to cause off ence, prisoners, climbing amongst the rafters in our education block. Thankfully they saw the error of their ways and came back down to earth with a bump, literally!

Then in December we had a barricade followed a week later by a concerted indiscipline (riot). Gloomy outlookAs we know the outlook is particularly gloomy for the service, the public service that is forgotten about and not given the true recognition it deserves. Apart from the police, do you know of any other public body whose staff go to work each day and witness or receive threats of violence on a daily basis? We witness self-harm and death. We are spat at, punched,

bitten or head-butted and what is our reward from the head clown? Benchmarking, threats of privatisation, budget cuts and pension cuts.

Well, thank you very much!

The modern caring, sharing prison serviceOn the theme of saving money, some of you may not be aware that our healthcare department is currently undergoing the TUPE process (Tear Up your Pension and Earnings). For those of you that don’t know what TUPE is, it’s basically work on the cheap, another form of privatisation with no care shown towards the staff who risk having their wages cut and their pensions slashed. That’s the modern caring, sharing prison service.

Still on the subject of savings let’s rewind to the jottings of August last year when I wrote: “I would like to give a suggestion as to how money could be saved here…stop taking things down or moving things around only to put them back at a later date!”

Guess what...it’s still happening! We now have a new exercise yard for our Phoenix unit (aka a seg unit) which is very similar to the exercise yard that was there for the old seg unit but when we re-rolled guess what? The old one was removed. There will also be a gate put back in the seg unit corridor in the same place that there was one before! The

reassuring thing is that Cookham Wood is pumping money into the local building trade!

Watch your wordsOn the subject of ‘little darlings’, sorry, prisoners yours truly was summoned to the No1’s offi ce to be told that she had a R&C about me. What had I done I thought to myself, who had I upset with some misconstrued banter? It turns out that the R&C wasn’t even from a prisoner in Cookham but from one in Belmarsh (you know, the high security place) who had got hold of a copy of Gatelodge magazine, read it and found the following comments off ensive...‘We had a concerted indiscipline on the exercise yard. 32 of the little darlings had obviously had too many e numbers in their breakfast packs and they decided not to come in”.

Apparently calling prisoners who have caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage and thrown missiles at staff ‘little darlings’ is off ensive! I can only apologise to the prisoner who was reading the prison offi cers magazine and next time I am involved in a concerted indiscipline (riot) I will think carefully as to the words I use.

SOMK

COOKHAM WOOD

returned to Chelmsford. Good luck to you all.

NewsThe weather has been awful over the last few months and recently one of the main roads to the prison was closed due to fl ooding. A number of offi cers phoned in to say they would be late because of it. One offi cer spoke to the Orderly Offi cer and informed her that there were fl oods on the A130. The OO’s response was: “Flooded with what?” Needless to say that the prison is in safe hands when SO Ferraz is Orderly.

Lots of Offi cers here at Bullwood seem to be trying to get fi t and Offi cer Ruff y is no diff erent. She has even gone to the lengths of buying a running machine. Offi cer Ruff y wants to get so much use out of it that she let the dog have a walk on it recently. Unfortunately the dog cannot run as fast as the machine was set.

(FYI - No dogs were harmed in this post)Any news for the next jottings should be

sent to ‘The Massive’

The Massive

60-67 Branch News.indd 63 23/3/11 16:12:24


BRANCH NEWS

CHANNINGS WOOD

I’ve been given fi rm instructions this month that I must mention my own humorous activities,

as I am always eager to mention everyone else’s. So here we go!

I’ve just come out of hospital following a bit of minor surgery, and unfortunately have a very clear recollection of how I behaved whilst recovering from the anaesthetic. Over the years, I’ve seen some prisoners behave in a very strange manner whilst ‘juiced’ up, but they’ll need to go a long way to outdo my full pelt rendition of Tom Jones singing Delilah as they tried to wake me up. To make matters worse, I was also convinced that I was in heaven and was asking all the nurses whether or not they were angels. I’ve got to say that 30 minutes later when I realised that:a) I still couldn’t singb) I wasn’t in heaven, and c) The nurses looking after me didn’t

look quite so angelic, I was a little bit disappointed!

Simon TolleyWhat edition of the Gatelodge magazine would be complete without at least one entry about Simon Tolley, or in this case, two entries? Simon, by his own admission is very OCD about certain things. Being a regular on the escort scene (prison not personal), he must always have the same cuff s, same keys, same bag etc., and if possible the same taxi. It was therefore with much pleasure the other day that Alan Noblett found himself on an escort that was due out shortly before Simon. So you can guess that he made certain to take all of Simon’s ‘personal’ kit and be sure that he knew it. Then leading on to story number two. Whilst out on the escort, it came over the taxi company’s radio that upon his return to the prison, the driver was to leave straight away and to not be side-lined by, I quote, “That idiot Tolley!” Don’t worry Simon, we all like you?

What’s the difference was between a squaddie and a Marine?I received death threats recently. But rather than being the usual empty threats made by prisoners that I get on a regular basis, these are real threats made by trained killers. Namely, Colin Brewer and the

ex-Royal Marine posse. In a recent issue, I just happened to refer to Offi cer Matt Spooner as an ex-Marine, which apparently he isn’t. I didn’t think that this was a huge problem, but Colin was beside himself with rage and pride for his beret (hat). I might not be a military historian, but I do know how to wind up Colin. In my best serious voice, I asked him what the diff erence was between a squaddie and a Marine, and were the marines the ones that couldn’t get into the Para’s? If you don’t hear from me again, you’ll know what happened.

www.wheresmynosegone.comI’m afraid to all you ladies reading this; Reg Varney has unfortunately had his Hollywood profi le irreparably damaged. Whilst on our annual C&R refresher at Kidlington, the Channings Wood boys were leading the onslaught during a yard clearance exercise when out of the blue, new boy Reg Varney came at us guns blazing, wielding a baseball bat. He didn’t account for Micky ‘Mad Dog’ Doyle’s wicked shield technique though, and ended up having the end of his nose cut all the way through to the base. If anybody who was on our course has found a small pink button like object in amongst their C&R kit, could they please contact Reg onwww.wheresmynosegone.com .

A rubbish day atChannings WoodI heard a story the other day that brought a smile to my face. I’ll tell it from the perspective of the prisoner/prisoners involved.

Prisoner 1: “I was having a really rubbish day at Channings Wood, so I decided to barricade myself inside my cell.”

Prisoner 2: “My day was a bit dull, so when my next door neighbour started to barricade himself inside his cell, it was a nice break from the monotony.”

Prisoner 1: “The staff told me to remove the barricade, so I said ‘No, go away you bunch of rotter’s.”

Prisoner 2: “My next door neighbour sounded rather vexed at the events that were unfolding….It was exciting.”

Prisoner 1: “Help! The screws are using CS gas on me, arrggghhhhh! Stop the gas and I’ll take down the barricade.”

Prisoner 2: “Arrgghhhhhh! My eyes are burning…Help!”

In case you’re wondering, no we haven’t started using CS gas during cell extractions at Channings Wood.

It appears as though prisoner 1 heard a hissing noise outside his door, and prisoner 2 was so conditioned/stupid, that he also thought he was being gassed. So much so, that the following day, both were still complaining of burning eyes and other side eff ects of the attack. No staff are available for comment about what that hissing noise could have been, but if they were, their names might be Trevor Marvin andNick Eaton!

Simmo

KENNET

60-67 Branch News.indd 64 28/3/11 14:58:02


BRANCH NEWS

STOKE HEATH

Firstly I’d like to wish a speedy recovery to all our colleagues injured at those

establishments during the recent riots, we at Stoke Heath certainly know what you’re going through.

I was going to start by saying hello to any new recruits, but that aint going to happen, as all recruitment is frozen, not bad considering we have vacancies for 16.5 Off ’s and eight SOs, but not to worry, we will backfi ll those with the cheaper option, yes you guessed it - Payment Plus.

Juveniles to moveIn January our Governor was told we were losing the juveniles with no appeal. Now with all due respect to Werrington and Hindley, we know that we are the most cost eff ective juvenile run establishment in the country, and the only reason they are being removed from Stoke Heath is because we are a split site. This totally goes against the Coalition Government saying the Public Sector have to reduce costs.

The committee decided to challenge this decision, so they produced a letter for all members to send to their MPs, just like the NEC have asked us to do, all to no avail. Even John McDonnell MP (Hon Life Member), a staunch supporter of the POA, couldn’t be bothered to answer our letter or even ask questions over the decision. Don’t get me wrong he wasn’t the only one, but we did have an acknowledgement from Sir Alan Beith MP ( Justice Committee Chair) and author of ‘The Role of a Prison Offi cer’, it’s the document the last Justice Minister ( Jack Straw) rejected in its entirety, if you haven’t read it yet (I recommend you do).

We accept that the NEC are busy helping our colleagues dealing with the closures of Lancaster Castle and Ashwell, but the thing that really disappoints me, is the lack of interest/importance they showed after being notifi ed. There is only so much we can do, all we ask is that the NEC do their bit, and try and infl uence the powers that be their end…

March for the AlternativeWhilst reading this we will have had the March for the Alternative on 26 March in London, this is probably the one and only opportunity the public sector has to get its voice heard. Members will soon have to stand up and be counted. Stoke Heath will have taken approx 36 staff , friends and family on the happy bus, and credit must go to Jackie Marshall our Branch Chair for organising it. It’s a shame that more staff couldn’t be bothered to go, but I suppose Payment Plus is more important than jobs/pensions or is it just that they can’t be bothered thinking it’s happening anyway. I agree with Latchmere House, 500 words are not enough, pity the NEC are not censored the same way.

All contributions are welcome, please send to the POA offi ce and we will gladly pass them on.

The Pimpernel

Hello from HMYOI Stoke Heath, it’s been a long time since there were any jottingsfrom this neck of the woods, so here goes.

www.poauk.org.uk April 2011 www.poauk.org.uk April 2011 www.poauk.org.uk 65

KENNET

As these jottings are beingwritten, the Prison Service is putting the fi nal plans together to potentially crush the Public Sector.

With a scheme to bring in soldiers to our prisons to maintain order, should

we decide to take the ultimate action of striking in support of our colleagues who are under the threat of Market Testing? Apparently this action will be called Operation Fast Telephone. You can’t imagine this decision going down too well with the military as they are losing 11,000 jobs it is reported in the news, but, ‘We are all in this together!!!’

PrivatisationYears ago, rather naively, the public bought in to the idea of ‘Sid’ when they sold off the energy fi rms. Small shareholders made a quick

profi t on the back high energy bills for years. The public are fully aware what privatisation now stands for in terms of essential public requirements; sky high unaff ordable prices…

You have to fear for Operation Fast Telephone because if it’s like any of the other strategic things the Prison Service has ventured in to recently (NOMS, CNOMIS, Invision and the DPSM diabolical) it will end in spectacular failure. Already over the past year we have seen (so called) fully staff ed prisons endure major riots in the case of HMP Ashwell, and more recently Ford open prison burned to the ground.

POA members don’t want to take on the Prison Service or the Government. We are just decent human beings wanting to earn a living in as safe an environment as a prison can be. But while the Service has bent over backwards to appease off enders, staff have found it oppressive, dogmatic and uncaring.

WE AREN’T THE ONES WHO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED BY THE COURTS!!

Operation Fast Finger is one huge gamble that requires off enders to comply. If they don’t (and evidence recently suggests that they won’t) then we could be back to the early nineties with a large number of wrecked prisons putting the public at risk.

Profi ts for shareholdersPOA members can see what the outcome will be if the privatisation goes ahead unchallenged, it will only be a matter of weeks before they are banging on your gates. Already we have the greatest number of private prisons in Europe; there is no evidence to suggest that they are cheaper, in fact they often languish around the bottom of performance leagues tables. All they do is drive down the working conditions of employees to create fat profi ts for shareholders. Private prison companies require a profi t margin of at least 18% for them to bid and with a captive market (no pun intended) that is easily achievable by cherry-picking the estate. The average service for a private sector prison offi cer is six years before they reach burnout.

FinallyOffi cer Ali Moore is wondering where her royalties are as she is the smiling face on the front of the Prison Service website. Keep smiling Ali - all we will have left soon is humour!

Footnote: 501 promise…

60-67 Branch News.indd 65 23/3/11 16:12:39

Hello to all from Feltham.

Spring is here, and so is Titch Kelleher. Welcome back from your travels and looking

forward to hearing your stories, only six months to go before you’re off again.

We were invited to attend a Branch meeting at the privately run HMP Bronzefi eld earlier this month (March) and it was nice to see our National Chair and Ex National Chair attending along with John Hancock. Our colleagues at HMP Bronzefi eld need this support; their concerns are the same as ours but with twice the diffi culty and no recognition rights. The bullying, intimidation and the victimisation of POA members in a publicly funded building run by a bunch of cowboys is enough to make your blood boil. Daz and Mark have an enormous task ahead of them and have a good committee and a loyal branch, we hope to see and hear from you at Conference this year, good luck.

There are still concerns regarding the New Offi cer 2s and their progression within the service, it’s very hard to clarify information when NOMS don’t know themselves what they intend to do with you.

We want to welcome Ralph our new NEC rep, Feltham is a warm place to visit with good, loyal members. Please come in and address the branch anytime, Steve G and John liked the sandwiches provided on their road show tour, we look forward to seeing you soon.

More managers are coming to Feltham…unbelievable! One IDS and a manager G, it will be interesting to see where they sit on the re-profi le.

Re-profi lingWhat? I hear everyone say! Not another one? Four re-profi les in fi ve years - it’s becoming an annual event. The only good thing is Ian Williams isn’t here to cock this one up and we will ensure Gov. Barrett will divulge all his staff this time round.

Health and Safety is paramount this time round, we will be agreeing staffi ng levels for activities and clear, concise guidelines within the SSoW. F2s are being thrown about by the Dep like confetti. 10 to-date and more on the horizon, many are due to cutting corners, over commitment and the infl exible core day.

It’s amazing that managers encourage poor practices to hit targets, but when it goes

wrong, they’re quick to lay blame on staff and distance themselves from the decision making process. Our only advice is to work to the profi le and the agreed staffi ng levels and support each other.

We want to welcome all our new POELTs way too many to mention, but your all welcome and we say goodbye to Big Ron Searle who is retiring after 42yrs. Guess you didn’t qualify for early release Ron, we wish you all the best in your retirement.

Finally to all the sick and poorly, we wish you all swift and full recoveries.

Not keen on this 500 word restriction….many more local and national issues to comment on and if you put all the current management performance in to words, 500 words would be just a chip of the old block.

Pingu

FELTHAM

LATCHMERE HOUSE

I start by welcoming back our favourite ‘Ammer Clive, just in time to look after the ducks. We

also say farewell to Ian W. and wish him well for his future outside the service he served so well for many years, all the best mate.

We had the Special Delegates Conference in London the other week and sent our condemnation to this ‘Conservative-led coalition’. Dave and Nick, you are condemned! Of course we also had a go at ‘em over the budget cuts and threats to our health and safety, but I fear they won’t listen, who does?

Leave our pensions aloneWe await the publication of the Hutton report and what the Government may do to our pensions, so let’s keep our fi ngers crossed it won’t be as bad as we fear. By the time this is published, the mass rally organised by the TUC against the attack on our pensions will have happened and hopefully there will have been a good turnout. Unfortunately I couldn’t make the rally as I

was away on holiday, but I am sure the POA was well represented and the message got through to the Government to LEAVE OUR PENSIONS ALONE.

Employee of the quarter!No odd management decisions to report this time (or none that I am aware of ), but following my last jottings and the absurdity of employee of the month, they have determined it will now be employee of the ‘quarter’ (it must be my time soon). I ‘aint ‘eard nuffi nk more regarding the bee hives, so hopefully that idea has been dropped. Ooh, I must pass on our thanks to management for the ‘huge’ bonus they gave us for all our work in making us a high performing Level 4 establishment. Of course we cannot forget that Lancaster Castle achieved the same just before they announced it was to close! Let us hope it is not an omen or a Chairman’s vote of confi dence. I must be realistic and honest with you though, and state my belief that the future for us is not assured and despite our management’s confi dence and the calling of a meeting to quell the rumours

(I fear they doth protest too much) our Area Manager has been unable to give us the assurance we need. All we can do is carry on, as other establishments have found - there ‘aint much we can do as it is all about money, money, money and we are on a very valuable piece of land.

Oh well, like the pensions announcement, we’ll keep our fi ngers crossed.

New profi leBy the time you read this, the staff rotation board should have met and determined who moves where and the new profi le should have started. Hopefully no-one is too disappointed where they have ended up and most got what they wanted. We must remember we are a small place and there ‘aint many positions to move to, so let’s just support each other, get on with it and enjoy being here.

To all those off sick, all the best and get well soon.

Rigsby 500


BRANCH NEWS

60-67 Branch News.indd 66 23/3/11 16:12:46


This column has been hand-written in pen, with a nib forged from the ring that was

cast into the mountains of Mordor by Frodo himself. (Next time he sets off on a quest, no doubt he’ll be wearing the new Prison Service issue non-slip shoes and his tie, as it is February now. Then maybe he won’t keep falling over and going sick.) The pen was fi lled with ink, freshly squeezed from Paul, the psychic football octopus. The paper is recycled from the original edition of the Magna Carta, which TV star Dina Offi cer found in her attic, among her earlier pay-slips.

So this is not just any column; this is an M & S column…with creamThe following contains news, gossip, and stories from around the legendary Wormwood Scrubs. Some of it is gleaned from fi rst-hand accounts, some from friends, and some from friends of friends. There is no guarantee that the following stories are factually accurate, or even true, however the people are as real as they come, because even with our imaginations, we couldn’t make them up. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent, some because we can’t remember their names and some because the lawyers told us to.

Well! Where to begin? So much change, so little consultation…Reprofi ling. All Hail to the Men in Suits who came down from on high to proclaim that even though we were struggling enough doing the jobs of twice as many people, we could do it even better with fewer of us. Furthermore, we need to introduce bizarre new shifts that will see staff handovers during patrol states, and reception staff on Saturdays going off duty at 2pm, fi fteen minutes before the vans start arriving…genius.

UnworkableSo with a new profi le imminent...the anonymous suits have fi nally achieved something truly unique AND spectacular...a series of shift patterns/working practices/group workings/start-fi nish times that NOBODY (including managers) either likes, or considers workable in the ‘real world’. Well done chaps - outstanding work. What next, 0% pay rise? Oh, we already have that. Maybe a system designed to acknowledge and validate the input from largely ignored foot soldiers in the monolithic service we fi nd ourselves in? Something called ‘Investors in People’ perhaps? Oh, we have that too! How eff ective has that been?

But wait! There’s more! Monsieur, with these improvements you are spoiling us! There are shifts fi nishing at 11.45hrs, slap bang in the middle of serving the lunch. So either we are expected to stay on to gain toil, or unlock on our own. Staff goodwill has gone out of the window, so the best thing; we think, is to wave goodbye on your shift fi nish time and not unlock anyone else until another member of staff arrives. Personally I will enjoy waving goodbye at 1140hrs, still having fi ve minutes to get to the gate.

Ad hoc datesThen there is my detail. Lovely to get emails saying that we can now book our ad hoc dates for the year in advance. With family, kids, and basically a life, most of us jumped at this and put in our requests immediately. “But,” I hear you cry, “this is the prison service, nothing is straight forward!” And you are soooo right. The prison gets re-profi led, and so look again at your new shifts, rebook and cancel the others that are now no good and life is back on track and Little Johnny does not have to be home alone. Splendid (!) cos then as soon as the re-profi ling comes in then the “Suit People” are wanting job rotation soooo yes, you guessed it, cancel all the ad hoc again because you will fi nd

yourself on another wing’s shift pattern and try to rebook again. Poor little Johnny may as well get himself a job and learn to work an oven, because at this rate Mummy or Daddy won’t be home at all until October.

“Caaaan you feeeeel the loooove toniiiight…?”I suppose you’re wondering if there’s any happy news coming out of Scrubs lately? Well, loads of offi cers are getting married in the coming months, so congratulations/commiserations are due to Tilly and Kelly, Gemma and Jacko, Phil and Magda and everyone else whose lives are about to change forever! Also, big congratulations to Jayne and Suzy who tied the knot on March 5th. Altogether now: “Caaaan you feeeeel the loooove toniiiight……?”

And MORE congrats to Offi cer John Hancock, who, despite his meteoric rise to fame, fortune, new suits and a lovely set of golf clubs through the NEC, will be getting down and dirty with the rest of us in the dojo for his C&R refresher next month. The girls are looking forward to it.

Remember, we’ll always have East Acton.

Information only, JS standing by

PS: Any colleagues, old or new, who would like to make (anonymous) contributions to future editions of Scrubs Jottings, feel free to email us at:[email protected]

WORMWOOD SCRUBS

Greetings from Scrubs!

BRANCH NEWS

60-67 Branch News.indd 67 4/4/11 09:20:11

68 April 2011 www.poauk.org.uk www.poauk.org.uk April 2011 69

THANK YOUDear Colin Moses,I would like to put on record my thanks for the support, guidance and professionalism that has been shown to me by John Hancock and the HMP Bronzefi eld branch.

At all times I have received excellent advice and guidance when I needed it including excellent legal advice.

I was extremely grateful to have the POA behind me and wish them well in the future.

Yours sincerelyRoger Albright

SUPPORT ONE ANOTHERI retired from HMP Service on 31 October 2010, after 25 years as an Offi cer/OSG.

Most of my service was at HMYOI Aylesbury, with short detached duty at other prisons. I must agree with Brian Caton’s letter in the December 2010 issue of Gatelodge; we do need all the support we can get. With all these cut backs, talks about pensions, and the increase in our prison population, like the Police we need to have less paper work and be more hands on.

What Offi cers must realise is that they have to back each other, and do the job they are meant to do to the best of their ability, and not forget the POA is there if they need it. So I say to you all, don’t cut corners, and if necessary, use the POA, after all it’s your Union, and a good one, regardless of what some people say.Geoff CoxRetired Member

POSTBAG

THANK YOUDear John,Just to say “thank you” for all your support during my situation with G4S at Tinley House. This is my letter sent to Steve Gillan expressing my thanks:

Dear Mr Gillan,From today I will be withdrawing from the POA following my release from G4S, Tinsley House, Gatwick. I would like to thank everyone responsible for supporting me during my working period, as well as my most recent situation of making a claim from G4S. I would however like to say a special big thank you to Mr John Hancock, one of your Union Representatives. His support was exceptional - he must have turned himself inside out to see “what can be done” as he put it.

His patience on the phone was remarkable as I suff er quite badly with asthma and what should be a fi ve minute chat can take up to 25 minutes. Also, the running around and timing of his meetings just to look after me and speak for me when I was short of breath, was very kind.

There are many more things I would like to say thank you for but the letter would go on and on. You have a very good man inMr Hancock and I know he must be a valued representative of you and I hope you look after him well. He has my respect in all that he takes on - a wonderful man!

Well John, thank you again and take care of yourself, I hope all your cases are easy. Good luck in the future.

God Bless.

Name and address supplied

SUPPORT THESE GOOD CAUSESI would like to tell you all of an event that we are holding here at HMP Hindley on 6th May 2011. First of all let me give you some background information; a friend of mine, Sgt Stephen Darbyshire of 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed whilst serving his country in Afghanistan last June, he left a wife, Kate, and two sons.

Also, almost every day on the news we see troops coming home fromwar-torn countries with missing limbs and mentally traumatised because of what they have seen and experienced. Because of this six friends and I from HMP Hindley, wanted to do something to try and help them.

We are planning to do the Three Peaks Challenge - Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowden in 24 hrs. We are asking for branches in every jail to sponsor us to make as much money as possible for these heroes who deserve our help. The charities we are raising money for are the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.

Anyone wishing to sponsor us can do so via www.bmycharity.com then put my name in (Lee Thilwind) to make your donation.

We would like to thank you all for any support you may be able off er these charities.

Lee ThilwindHMP Hindley

68-71 Postbag.indd 68 4/4/11 10:04:46


WHAT DO YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY?I have heard this argument many times in my career and you get the old cliché: “It is the world’s most expensive diary and why do we need all that rot in it anyway?” Well I have to say, unless it is a code of discipline or attendance at a coroners court we will probably never use the NEC.

However, the riots at Littlehey, Ford and Moorlands have demonstrated the worth and value of the NEC, as have the problems many more prisons have recently gone through.

Here at Littlehey during our indiscipline and the following fall out, our local Rep. Ralph Valero, was instantly contactable that evening and throughout the whole incident and then on our doorstep at 07.00 the next day. Ralph was closely followed by Glyn Travis who ended up staying with us all week.

Mark Freeman, DGS, was working behind the scenes with the media, whilst Tony Merricks and Glen Birchall of the NEC both diverted from their journeys to off er support.

With the support of Ralph and Glyn, the Committee and its membership where able to achieve a new and safer regime and prisoner levels during association and unlock.

The committee and the membership have gained some valuable knowledge and a feeling of ‘they are there for us’ which can only enhance our profi le when dealing with any future issues.

John Gurney Chair, Littlehey

POSTBAG

REDUCTION IN PRISON POPULATIONWell, I’ve been scratching my head for some time now trying to work out how the ConDems were going to manage this. After all we’ve seen various ill-fated attempts to do it over the years that have only come back to bite us on the proverbial when off enders have breached suspended sentences, community rehabilitation oders, etc. and inevitably ended up back with us, probably with a bit more ‘bird’ as well for their trouble.

I know there will be other factors involved, like tampering with sentencing policy (just like the suspended sentences, CROs etc that I’ve mentioned) but this time they’ve hit the nail on the head.

It’s so simple, I couldn’t believe how thick I’d been, it’s so obvious!What is it you ask?Well, they’re going to pension off the most valuable and experienced

police offi cers when they hit their occupational pension age, often in their forties or early fi fties, and not consider re-employing them.

That way, presumably, they don’t need to pay redundancy pay, but best of all that wealth of knowledge and nouse just goes right down the pan, ensuring that detection and subsequent conviction rates plummet to new depths. This naturally has the desired result on the prison population and hey presto! You can close numerous prisons down due to the lack of demand.

What about the public though? Well, they should just be glad that the ConDems were so innovative in managing to reduce the prison population (and the defi cit, don’t forget) and not be at all worried about all those off enders, who would be otherwise banged up where they belong, roaming around doing just what they want, when they want to. How ungrateful can you get?

Simples!

Tom Bell- Retired POA member(Ex SO at Aylesbury, Moorland and Ranby)

JUBILEE THERAPY CENTREI recently attended the Jubilee Therapy Centre in Penrith, Cumbria, and I would like to commend the NEC for their initiative in joining with the Fire Fighters Charity to allow POA members to access not only this facility, but also the centres in Devon and the South Coast. The cost of sending POA members to one of these facilities is administered via the Welfare Fund and is a very worthwhile addition to members’ benefi ts.

Your week at a Centre starts on a Sunday afternoon and ends on Friday lunchtime. On arrival you are allocated your room and then assessed by a nurse who is assigned to you for the duration of your stay.

The Centres operate a holistic rehabilitation program to treat the ‘whole person’ and can include individual psychological support. Physical injury can have a signifi cant eff ect on an individual’s emotional well-being and stress and psychological problems often impact on physical health. All these issues are addressed at the Centres.

On Monday morning, you meet up with your physio/exercise therapist who will design a program to suit your practical needs and you will be given a

comprehensive timetable that includes lectures on topics such as stress, and how to recognise it, nutrition, anger management, sleep, and how to improve poor sleep, assertiveness and change.

Physical activities include group and individual activities in one of two pools [hydrotherapy/swimming], gym, fi tness room and an hour long walk in the surrounding countryside every day.

The professionalism of all the staff I came across at the Jubilee Centre was impressive and I urge all branch committee members to encourage any member of the POA in their establishment who has suff ered injury and/or surgery to apply for a week at one of the Centres.

On a fi nal note, the Centres themselves are owned and operated via the Fire Fighters Charity and receive no funding from Government, so if you see any fund raising activities by Fire Fighters in your area, please give generously, it is such a worthwhile cause.

Mike Redfearn - HMP Manchester

68-71 Postbag.indd 69 4/4/11 10:05:02

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I’ve just resigned from my job as a prison governor to become a journalist. I didn’t think that I would ever leave when I joined twelve years ago. I was attracted by the chance to do some good, to make a change. The downsides - poor wages and unsavoury conditions – were outweighed by the job security, a good pension and the camaraderie. It seemed like a worthwhile job for life.

So what went wrong? Well, some of the blame must rest with the Government and some with the Prison Service itself – but none on the brave, funny and hugely professional prison officers, many of whom I’m pleased to be able to also call my friends.

I didn’t ever think that my pension would be attacked in the way that it was (and let’s not forget that the average pension drawn by a retired Civil Servant is under £7,000 per year); nor my job security would be taken away, or my wages frozen, potentially for many years; nor that we would be left with dangerously low staffing levels, leaving us all at risk.

HypocrisyKnee-jerk reactions abounded despite fulsome praise to our faces. Jack Straw feigned ignorance when told that prisoners had access to 18-rated computer games in custody, despite having had them for years (and introduced under a policy implemented under his Government). His response was to order their removal, quite literally overnight, and damn the consequences. It was only due to the professionalism of staff that we managed it without serious problems.

Even more hypocritical was his visit to my prison, when he travelled by train. He made much of this, touting his green credentials but neglected to mention the two armoured V8-engined Range Rovers that drove from London empty but for their drivers and then sat outside the prison with their engines idling for the duration of his visit. Lest you think that I’m being too harsh on him let me remind you that his predecessor, David Blunkett suggested

that rioting prisoners be machine-gunned and celebrated a prisoner’s suicide with champagne. It remains to be seen how Kenneth Clarke fares but it doesn’t look good with the suggestion that prisoners work a 40-hour week in prison clashing magnificently with the simultaneous work being done by the Prison Service to introduce a regime that will make it impossible for prisoners to work more than part-time due to the vast numbers currently being prescribed Methadone.

This is a classic example of how the Prison Service is a fragmented and shambolic organisation, described by Lord Ramsbotham, the former Chief Inspector of Prisons as “dysfunctional and in crisis”. Senior managers, in area offices and headquarters as well as most of those governing prisons, are a toxic mix of ambitious and distant; the two rapidly poisoning any good intentions that they might have once held. Any that survived their own ambition, relentless budget cuts, and the mind-numbing complexity of the myriad rules, regulations, orders, mission statements, values and policies that permeate every layer of the service, were rapidly brow-beaten by board of directors, eager to a man and woman not to offend their political masters.

Whilst military and police leaders defended proposed staff cuts with a co-ordinated PR campaign, the Prison Service board were deafening in their silence, leaving the POA as the only credible opposition.

Prison BoardAlways a faithless bunch, the behaviour of the Prisons’ Board in the past year has been appalling. Faced with both the Prison Officers Association and the Prison Governors Association both rejecting their proposals for workforce modernisation after democratic ballots, they drove them through anyway with scant regard for any of the consequences. When both the PGA and the POA both say no to a proposal, it should ring alarm bells. Yet it seemed that Michael Spurr, CEO of the National Offender Management Service,

saw this as a challenge, a dare, and all objectivity was lost in the unseemly race to force through a series of disastrous changes. The result? The Prison Service now has even more managers than it needs, with a large number of them being Principal Officers promoted as DPSMs into made-up, nonsensical jobs. Those who didn’t take the small bribe offered to them, those too honest to take promotion to jobs that they didn’t want, have been left to wither on the vine.

We are losing white shirts faster than any other grade. They seem to be an easy target and the wings are now decimated. There has been a huge increase in assaults on prison officers (despite what HMPS tells us) and only weasel words from the Prison Service. When Michael Spurr talks of a “zero tolerance policy” towards violence he is, frankly, talking rubbish. How many prisoners have been prosecuted for the appalling violence at Ashwell in 2009? None. When a prisoner stamped on a prison officer on a landing at Leeds prison nearly killing him what was the result? He was acquitted. When officers are stabbed in Frankland did you get stab-resistant vests? No. When prisoners riot and injure staff does Suma Chakrabarti offer any condolences? No, we get a simpering statement designed to serve politicians. You don’t even get the recognition you deserve when you risk your lives intervening – too often you are, apparently, “specially-trained Police Officers!

And let’s not even talk about the new two-tier prison officer ranks lest we all explode with indignation.

Job evaluationMiddle-ranking Governors have also been relentlessly targeted; given more and more work – most of which was previously done by Principal Officers – in a desperate race to try and help them retain their authority and credibility in the face of forthcoming “job evaluation”. This is an inoffensive name for something that will


POSTBAG

68-71 Postbag.indd 70 28/3/11 15:00:14

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

devastate the rank and pay structure of those whom it aff ects, all in the name of equal pay. We are not talking here of equal pay in a noble sense, women being treated the same as men, old the same as young, white the same as BME; we are talking of a nonsensical arrangement whereby administrative staff are trying (and succeeding) in equating their jobs with those of front-line operational staff , jobs like yours. Can you imagine a clerk employed by the Police or the military claiming that their role should be paid at the same rate as that of a policeman or soldier? Quite, but that is exactly what is happening to the Prison Service.

The Prison Service actually has a very good record of encouraging those with the skills, ambition, and stomach for operational work to take the plunge and move across from a civilian role into an operational one. I know of many, many good Offi cers and civilians who have made the move; I also know of many more civilian managers who are too scared, incompetent, or lazy to do it the right way and so encourage the gradual erosion of the Governor’s role, seeking to subsume the exciting and interesting parts of the job whilst leaving the dull, routine, and time-consuming ones to the rest of us.

Why should care about that? Aren’t all governor-grades idiots anyway? Well, yes, some are. But would you rather have a civilian manager in charge of you who has no idea of the dangers and challenges you face every day? Someone like the fi ercely ambitious, but incompetent, senior manager at my old prison who shadowed a duty Governor one day and observed a C&R removal that resulted in one member of staff being injured by a violent, non-compliant prisoner.

Her only comment? She asked why they hadn’t addressed him as “Mr”…

Civilianisation of the governor-roleSo you should be worried about the civilianisation of the governor-role, because if you think that we are bad then you should have a long hard look at the alternative. At least we have all worn the uniform and walked the landings, been nose-to-nose with a stroppy prisoner who can’t seem to accept that he is in prison and not a hotel.

I could talk too about the growing problems caused by maintaining nearly half the prisoners in local prisons on Methadone and Subutex at a cost of nearly £5,000 a year per prisoner. Or the constant pressure to save money at the cost of staff and prisoner safety, jeopardising rehabilitation, and risking the creation of further victims. Or the cost of delivering canteen goods to prisoners that cost nearly £5 per prisoner per week due to the insistence of the Prison Service that we stop using prison staff to do it, even though we made a good profi t that was ploughed back into the prisons. Or the decency agenda which has given prisoners more and more in the name of their ‘rights’ without ever also telling them – and enforcing – the responsibilities that go alongside them. Or the unseemly queues of ambulance-chasing solicitors eager to put the boot in.

But I shan’t because you are all as aware of them as I am. I have now resigned and am afull-time journalist. I’ve made the move to take up arms on behalf of the offi cer ranks because I’m so disgusted with the way that the Prison Service treats you all. I’m saddened that people only read in the papers when it goes wrong. They never see the incompetence of managers or the bravery

of staff , the wilful waste of public money, or the contempt that senior managers hold you all in. They think that you are a resource (and don’t ever think that they think that you are their most valuable one, because they don’t), to be used and then replaced with a “Prison Offi cer 2” on lower wages when you’re pensioned off or fi red.

We CAN change thingsBut with your help we can change things. The Prison Service and Government hate bad publicity and this is the only thing that will drive them to act. I have the contacts and the outlets to publicise what is happening but I need your help to do that. So the next time that a famous prisoner gets preferential treatment we need to make sure that the public read about it. The next time that a manager says that you can’t eat a cooked breakfast on a Saturday morning because the smell will off end prisoners they need to know. The next time there is a riot and staff are (God forbid) injured, it needs to be in the papers with an accurate account of what happened. When a Governor gives in to prisoners in the name of appeasement you have someone who understands and is as appalled by it as you are. The next time that white shirts are lost from the landings and the money is used to give prisoners more comforts, I’ll listen.

I’m afraid that my only prediction for the future is the deterioration of the Prison Service, the ongoing leak of skilled operational staff , and even more privileges for prisoners; my prayer is that none of you get injured in the inevitable riots that we will see in the following few months.

Take care of yourselves and each other because your senior managers won’t. You are a wonderful bunch; professional, brave, and full of common-sense, and I hope that we can continue to work together for many more years.

Web address: www.carltonboyce.comEmail: [email protected]: PO Box 306, Leeds, LS16 0FGTelephone: 07723 351791


CHANGES

AHEAD

!POSTBAG

68-69 Postbag.indd 71 23/3/11 16:37:11

SPORTS SCENE


GOLFIt doesn’t matter what time of

year we visit Horseley Lodge Golf Club in Derbyshire,

they always provide the best weather imaginable.

October was a case in point, with once again unseasonably warm temperatures and sunny skies, almost warm enough for shorts, although thankfully no-one succumbed to the temptation. The thought of a couple of hundredweight of semi-naked prison offi cers is just too much for sensitive souls. Anyway, Paul Sirrell didn’t wear shorts so we could safely continue with the golf, which was once again of a particularly high standard, so much so in fact it took an exceptional score to win, and then only by a single point.

Settling fi fth to third required Steven Hawking, with three pairs fi nishing on 40 points, calculations had to go down to the last nine holes, last six, last three and even the last hole.

Dave King and Rick Dale (Lincoln) benefi tted from that decision to

fi nish third. Last year’s winners, John Southward and Chris Naylor, (mistakenly shown as coming from Broadmoor), this year fi nished second with an exceptional score of 44 points. I say ‘mistakenly’ because neither works at Broadmoor, though it has been said that they should both have been incarcerated there.

The winnersOn to the winners, and the remarkable score of 45 points that was required to win. All the more remarkable as one of the players was Mark Jones (Whatton), who plays the game ‘cacky handed’! This is when a right handed player holds the club with his left hand below right. To put this into context, it’s like a jockey sitting on his horse the wrong way around and winning the 3:30 at Kempton! Mark had the decency to acknowledge his partner Mel Stewart’s contribution, admitting the majority of points were scored by him. Knowing Mark we fi gured Mel must have gone around in a world record low score of 57 shots!

Another very well attended event was enjoyed by all, with a special thank you to the P.S.S.A. for assisting with the prizes.

National Pairs, Horseley Lodge, Derbyshire

Mark and Mel fl anking our beloved National Secretary, Dave Hudspith

72-73 Sports Scene.indd 72 4/4/11 10:12:24

SPORTS SCENE


GOLFATHON FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

My name is Jason Evans (Prison Offi cer, POA member), and with my friend Mark Colley(a fi reman) I am organising a Golfathon in aid of Cancer Research UK.

We are members of Dewsbury District Golf Club (DDGC) and with the help of seven

other members two of which are civil servants, we are going to try and play non-stop golf for 24 hours in medal format. The event will take place on Wednesday 15th June 2011, when there is a full moon, with the fi rst tee off at 16:00 hrs. We expect to do eight to ten rounds and walk around forty miles, fi nishing Thursday.

We have decided to do this because Mark lost his sister and dad last year to cancer and I have also lost several family members to cancer as well. Four months ago I had a tumour removed from my left leg which was frightening at the time but thankfully it was benign. One of the other player’s mother is currently battling breast cancer and is receiving treatment for this. Cancer can aff ect all of us and everybody knows somebody or someone who has died of cancer or is suff ering from cancer.

Unique eventWe have approached Cancer Research UK about our idea and they are very excited by this unique event and to their knowledge nobody has ever done this before. With the help of their local rep. we will be publicising our event on various websites, newspapers, radio stations and local TV. With this in mind it could become a much larger event than we anticipated and even perhaps annual!

So far, the response we have had has been good. Direct Golf has pledged money and fl ashing golf balls for use when it’s dark and another company has pledged a two-day break for two at the Belfry.

As sponsors of this event and good cause their logos will be placed on the DDGC website which has a link to Cancer Research UK website and other benefi cial sites. Sponsors also get the opportunity to place their logo or banner on one of the eighteen tees. Another company has said they will donate polo shirts with all the sponsors’ logos on the back. Also helping as a back-up

team will be the local scout’s group providing refreshments, food and fi rst aid if needed.

If you are interested in getting involved in this event and would like to contribute or donate we would love you to contact us as we need all the help we can get.

We would appreciate help with the following. • Raffl e/golf equipment prizes• Food/Drinks• Money donations to Cancer Research UK• Promotion of this event.

Please contact me on 07891529107 Email [email protected] or Mark on 07830494076 Email [email protected] If you can help in any way it would be gratefully appreciated and I thank you for taking the time to read this article.

Jason Evans

72-73 Sports Scene.indd 73 28/3/11 15:03:03

THOMPSONS


Ian McFall, national head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, explains why the Union is launching an asbestos questionnaire and database.

When fi re ripped through Ford Open prison on New Years’ eve, the focus was

inevitably on the causes of the riot by inmates and the increased risks to the safety of Prison Service staff that cuts to the criminal justice system present.

But there is another, hidden danger that exists in Prison Service buildings which is highlighted by the Ford fire. Asbestos.

Crispin Blunt, the prisons minister, confirmed in response to a parliamentary written question from John McDonnell, MP, last month that asbestos at Ford was not taken out as part of a removal programme completed in 2005.

Blunt stated that asbestos was identif ied in all prisons following a comprehensive survey in 2002-03. He advised that in prisons where it remains present it poses a “low risk”. The asbestos at Ford was said to be being “managed locally” because it had been assessed as low risk and that “asbestos judged as being low-risk will not be routinely removed, as disturbing it may put staff at greater danger than if it were to be left in situ.”

FORD RIOT EXPOSES HIDDEN ASBESTOS DANGER

WARNING: MAJOR RISKS TO YOUR HEALTH

74-75 Thompson.indd 74 5/4/11 15:33:23

THOMPSONSS O L I C I T O R S

THOMPSONS


FORD RIOT EXPOSES HIDDEN ASBESTOS DANGER

Asbestos may be low risk when it is being inspected regularly and properly maintained. But major incidents such as the Ford fi re and other disturbances, and even minor events where the fabric of prison buildings becomes damaged, are out of the control of that management regime.

The POA asbestos registerThe risk of exposure to asbestos faced by prison staff working in prisons, along with the historical exposure that some may have had when working in other industries, has resulted in the launch of an asbestos questionnaire by the POA and Thompsons. The questionnaire will be published via a POA Circular and placed on the website to download. (www.poauk.org.uk)

This is a national initiative to record details of members who believe they have been exposed to the lethal dust through their work.

Many members joined the Prison Service after working in heavy industry and manufacturing.

Workers most at riskExposure to asbestos can lead to a number of diff erent types of lung disease. The most serious is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is only known to be caused by asbestos. It is incurable and normally proves fatal within 6 – 18 months from the onset of symptoms.

Mesothelioma, like other less serious forms of asbestos disease, can take between 20 and 50 years (or more) to develop after the asbestos fi bres have been inhaled.

The occupations most at risk include members who previously worked in shipyards, engineering, manufacturing, construction and the Armed Forces.

However an increasing number of workers are being diagnosed with mesothelioma who were employed in public sector workplaces, including courts and other Ministry of Justice buildings, due to coming into contact with dust from damaged asbestos-containing materials within the structure of buildings such as pipe work insulation, partition walls and ceiling tiles.

The POA questionnaireThe POA questionnaire will collect information on past employment where there may have been exposure to asbestos in order to create a permanent, structured database of information that can help to speed up the process of obtaining compensation for members who develop asbestos related disease. The database records the names of members, their current and previous employers, the workplaces where they came into contact with asbestos and the relevant dates.

It is important to remember that not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos develops an asbestos related disease. However, for those who do develop disease, the eff ects can be devastating.

Preserving the information about exposure on a database will enable the POA and its solicitors to identify witnesses who worked in the same place at the same time to obtain evidence in support of members’ claims – now and in the future.

Ian McFall

WARNING: MAJOR RISKS TO YOUR HEALTH

74-75 Thompson.indd 75 5/4/11 15:33:49

HEALTH CARE MATTERS

76 April 2011 Gatelodge

There are some interesting ideas aimed at all sections of the general public, workers

in the care/custody industries and criminal justice system.

Is the document designed to bring about major change to attain better service, care and understanding or simply to save costs? Let us look here at the possible impact within the Prison Service.

There is some good news within the text and it is certainly worth noting that the Rt. Hon Andrew Lansley and Paul Burstow, MP (Secretary of State for Health and Minister of State for Care Services) recognise in their document the importance of Lord Bradley’s earlier report. The POA are strong supporters of Lord Bradley’s work as he recognises the good work achieved in difficult circumstances by prison workers.

Prison staffNot unusually within such a document, prison officers do not get a direct mention, unlike the police, probation and NHS workers. We can assume however to be included in the bold objectives set to motivate and protect staff. There are statements which give some hope and assurance for the future, (unless the statements are merely platitudes in these austere times).

“Front line staff will be enabled to put innovative ideas into practice whilst those staff are ensured to be knowledgeable, motivated and supported”.

We look forward to the training and support manifesting behind the walls of our prisons, special hospitals and immigration centres.

The report requires: “staff in Mental Health Services to be valued as much as other NHS staff, including mental health awareness in all core front line professional training”.

A report which acknowledges that at least 90 percent of our charges have a diagnosable mental health problem (including personality disorder) and/or substance misuse problem must recognise the front line staff, mainly prison officers, who work day in day out in this environment.

There is emphasis placed on health and safety standards for the management of work related stress and to limit stress in a culture where it can be reduced.

We look forward to the Prison Service in particular, moving away from the blame culture it currently displays towards staff and away from the ‘exit door’ culture it directs towards employees who actually need help when under stress. Recognition of the pressures and stresses encountered during each working day in custodial settings are essential.

Prisoner populationThe document gives some welcome advice regarding the welfare, treatment and rehabilitation of the 90 percent of the population, as previously discussed. Again, we will cherry pick some of the issues and make comment.

Prison officers, whatever the future may hold, will continue to keep in custody but also care for our often incredibly difficult population. We can do this, with support and training, whilst working to achieve a high amount of mental health care, as set out in objectives by “No Health without Mental Health”.

The Government’s critical priority areas - how can we achieveThere are eight priority areas set out in chapter five; at least four can be achieved with prisoners if we are properly resourced. Those that spring to mind are:

Priority: Reduction in drug misuseWe have specialists within our Service, we run drug free units, VDT, random checks, counselling, searching and control. We are able, in the majority of cases, to hand over on discharge, someone who is free of drugs but will require ongoing and joined-up treatment.

Priority: EmploymentPrison officers enforce routine, regular hours, hygiene and where available regular work and education. Through the use of, and involvement in, various educational and self help organisations, prison officers work towards helping those in custody to become

employable on release. More often than not they will be employable for the first time in their lives, simply by promoting self respect but also by teaching them the most basic but important life skills, which include literacy under schemes such as Toe by Toe (run by the Shannon Trust but with the essential involvement of prison officers).

Priority:i. Improving: access to psychological

therapies.ii. The mental health of offenders. The POA has long promoted the view that all prison officers should be given training regarding mental health awareness. There is now a basic but worthwhile awareness course running at the national training centre for new recruits. The POA maintain that every prison officer should complete this training and that recognition be given to the skills involved. Most, if not all, prison officers with experience will actually possess the skills to recognise the behavioural problems, mental health awareness will simply be a way of realising those skills. Once the problem is identified, it is essential that we are able to refer to specialist staff for a joint approach to both containment and treatment. This joint approach should include an element of working together so that all involved understand, respect and support the differing roles. It is a great pity that the multi-skilled prison hospital officer is now so undervalued. We urge the Department and Government to reconsider this role, re-invest in the role and allow the front line to become even more effective.

Six mental health objectivesThere are six objectives set out in chapter three and also the work we can do to achieve them. The objectives add up to improved outcomes in mental health, allowing more people to cope and indeed recover.

The third objective is interesting: ‘more people with mental health problems will have good physical health’.

Measures to achieve a stable routine and drug free environment, coupled with smoking cessation and a good programme of physical

NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTHThe Government’s latest strategy document, ‘No Health without Mental Health’ was published 2nd February 2011.

76-77 Healthcare.indd 76 28/3/11 15:08:16

Nursing and health care offi cers consultative committee members

Tom Robson Chairman 0113 242 8833

Duncan Keys Secretary 0113 242 8833

Steve Baines NEC 0113 242 8833

Ralph Valerio NEC 0208 803 0255

Mark Curtis HMP Canterbury 01277 862800 x2871

George Bernard HMP Frankland 0191 332 3130

Carrie Sheppard HMP Manchester 0161 817 5600

Stephen Wood HMP Elmley 01795 882000

Jeff Clements HMP Grendon 01296 443000

Graham Dale HMP Cardiff 029 20 923100

HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Gatelodge April 2011 77

NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH

activity supervised by the specialistphysical education instructionalprison offi cers, is an essential element towards achieving improvement in bothmental and physical fi tness.

All able bodied prisoners should partake in physical activity, a great stress reliever in itself.

This work is already well established but the link between physical and mental wellbeing can’t be overstated.

The fi fth and sixth objectives are worth some comment:v. Fewer people will suff er avoidable

harm.vi. Fewer people will experience stigma

and discrimination.If we can make prison a place with positive

objectives and with purpose alongside the obvious control issues, then this focus should have a good eff ect on the general environment. Hopefully, safer for staff and safer for prisoners.

The education regarding mental health awareness and realisation that these issues are not always hopeless should release, to a certain extent, the frustrations of the individual trying to do a worthwhile job and the individual trying to cope with mental ill health. This common understanding is not easy but certainly desirable in respect of all concerned.

Summing upThe new Off ender Personality Disorder Plan will hopefully be circulated for consultation. The POA ask that we receive a copy and have a huge and signifi cant role to play. We have experience, expertise and knowledge within our varied membership to carry out this important work.

This article was written for inclusion in Gatelodge magazine but was sent in advance to:The Mental Health and DisabilityDepartment of Health133-155 Waterloo RoadLondonSE1 8UG

This is the POA’s contribution.No Health without Mental Health can be

accessed at www.dh.gov.uk

Tom RobsonChairman of the Nursing &Health Care Offi cers’ Committee

76-77 Healthcare.indd 77 28/3/11 15:09:05

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PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OFFERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WHEN PAYING WITH SHOE VOUCHERS. PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. T&C APPLY SEE WEBISTE FOR FULL DETAILS. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. © NITON999 2011 PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OFFERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WHEN PAYING WITH SHOE VOUCHERS. PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. T&C APPLY SEE WEBISTE FOR FULL DETAILS. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. © NITON999 2011 PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OFFERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WHEN PAYING WITH SHOE VOUCHERS. PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. T&C APPLY SEE WEBISTE FOR FULL DETAILS. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. © NITON999 2011

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FALCON LEATHERFull leather with pigskin liner • Non-Metallic • Superior grip & slip resistant sole • Athletic fit • Size 6-13CODE BBE02245

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FOLDING SAFETY CUTTERCuts seat belts, ropes & ligatures with ease • Steel blade locks in place • Easy and fast to use.CODE AA201 ONLY £20.00

MISSION IILeather / Nylon Upper • Non-Metallic • High Traction Sole • EN 20347 • Size 3-14CODE TAC50

MISSION IILeather / Nylon Upper • Non-

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• Large main compartment with adjustable divider • 3 outer zippered pockets • Pocket for Companion in the lid • Carrying handles & shoulder strapCODE NB006

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MISSION II SIDE ZIPLeather / Nylon Upper • YKK Side Zip • Non-Metallic • High Traction Sole • EN 20347 • Size 3-14CODE TAC52

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Preferential OffersThe Vauxhall Partners Programme.

Genuine discounts on brand new Vauxhalls for you and your family.

Visit your local Retailer now to claim your discount – plus any other exclusive offers available. For further information visit partnersprogramme.co.uk and login using the password POA, alternatively call the Partners Helpline on 0844 875 2448.

ENJOY GENEROUS DISCOUNTS ON FACTORY-FITTED OPTIONS, DELIVERY CHARGES AND LOTS MORE.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PASSWORD: POA

Models illustrated: MY11.5 New Corsa Excite 1.0i 12v ecoFLEX 3-dr. Vauxhall Partners discount is on list price, delivery and factory-fi tted options. Offers are available on new vehicles, subject to availability, and are available to eligible Vauxhall Partners. UK supplied vehicles only. Contact Vauxhall Retailer for details. Vauxhall Partners includes all employees and pensioners of nominated companies and their nominated eligible relatives. Vauxhall Partners prices/savings include Vauxhall Partners discount savings and additional customer savings (incl. VAT) where applicable, number plates, delivery, Vehicle Excise Duty and a fi rst registration fee. Excludes fuel and insurance. Vehicles shown may feature factory-fi tted options and accessories such as metallic paint available at extra cost. We reserve the right to change or withdraw any aspect of the Vauxhall Partners Programme without prior notice. Offers are available on selected Retailer stocks at participating Retailers only and cannot be combined with any other offer. Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of fi rst car owner, 100,000 mile limit, annual check required. The warranty excludes wear & tear and serviceable items and the vehicle must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s servicing schedule to continue the lifetime warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available to all Vauxhall passenger cars (this offer does not apply to car derived vans) from 1 August 2010. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer or visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/warranty

Offi cial Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption fi gures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range: Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 67.3 (4.2), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 20.6 (13.7) - 80.7 (3.5). CO2 emissions: 324 - 94g/km.

www.partnersprogramme.co.uk

A warranty could now last a lifetime

vauxhall.indd 1 24/3/11 12:27:37

poa gatelodge april 2011

Documents

poa hq

poa members good luck

tp214 poa ad

firm of solicitors

glyn travissub editor

ruth hart

issue of gatelodge

annual conference motions