The first POA’s Women’s Networking event took place last month. Women activists came from across the UK to learn from each other’s experiences and listen top-drawer speakers such as Clare Mellor, Chief Executive of Thompsons Solicitors, Kudsia Batool , head of the equalities at the TUC, Tracey Varela, MOJ HR business partner and Andrea Mistry from the MOJ’s Tackling Unacceptable Behaviours Unit. They were joined by Sarah Rigby and Jackie Marshall from the NEC, AGS Angela Montgomery and Angela Sinclair from POA HQ. This unique record of a special event contains contributions from 19 of those who participated. More information from poauk.org.uk

In this episode we focus on employment law issues – from dismissal, through discrimination, to a wide range of contractual terms and conditions. Emma Game, from the POA’s legal services partner Thompson’s, talks us through what issues are most prevalent,  what makes for a successful claim for compensation, and how cases are managed though the legal process. This is a key benefit for members, and this podcast is a guide to how to know if you have a valid claim, and what to do if you have. Seeking advice promptly from local POA representatives is, as ever, invaluable. More information at www.poauk.org.uk/support/legal-services/

POA activist Sally Jameson is not only chair of her branch at HMP Moorland, she has also recently been selected to contest the Doncaster Central parliamentary seat for the Labour Party in the next General Election. In this special episode Sally tells us how her work as a Prison Officer has contributed to a determination to bring the values of public service,  proper terms and conditions and an improved prison service into Parliament. She also shares with us how she became involved with the union, her journey to becoming a branch chair, and how her union and political work support each other. More information at poauk.org.uk

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Gardner from the POA’s legal services providers, Thompson’s solicitors. Sarah walks us through the procedure followed when POA members suffer an injury at work and want to make a claim for compensation, and gives some real-life examples of cases taken and won. POA members and their families are also covered for many types of injury and road traffic accidents away from work. It adds up to a great POA benefit for members. Find out more at poauk.org.uk 

This special episode looks at the role played by POA members in the immigration sector, including an update from the Manston Airport site following a recent visit by POA national officials. The union has a long-standing presence in many areas of the sector but following a recruitment drive, membership has more than doubled to over 400. Assistant General Secretary Andy Baxter explains what POA members do (and it’s nothing to do with people crossing the channel in small boats) and why the situation at Manston is, to quote one member, “a pressure cooker with no release valve” requiring urgent and wide-ranging action by Government.  More information at poauk.org.uk

In this episode, Emma Hulme from Thompson’s, the provider of the POA’s legal services, talks about the stressful experience of being arrested – in what circumstances that is likely, what support is available and, crucially, how can POA members access that support when they need it. Arrest is more common than you might think which makes this episode essential listening. More information at poauk.org.uk.

In this episode,  POA Assistant General Secretary Mick Pimblett talks about the union’s legal services:  What is covered? How can members access those services? How is the union’s policy on legal services determined?  And the importance of specialised legal support to launch judicial reviews in policy areas that are vital for the POA.  This benefit for members has secured over £8m in compensation over the last two years alone – and POA members receive every penny of any award that is made in their favour.  Find out more at www.poauk.org.uk

All deaths in custody trigger an inquest by a Coroner's Court.  In this episode Keith Shepherd from Thompson's solicitors walks us through the process from start to finish, with unrivalled experience and insights.  We also hear from POA branch official Laura Bird on just why POA membership and legal support is so important in these situations.  For more information visit www.poauk.org.uk

The POA is working hard to be as inclusive as possible. Part of this is to work for and with members with disabilities. In this episode deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson and NEC  members Jackie Marshall and Geoff Willetts discuss what we mean by disability, and how the union campaigns and negotiates for more awareness of, and fair treatment for, members with disabilities. More information at www.poauk.org.uk