poa gatelodge december 2010

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

December 2010

PRISON WORKS

“The Shannon Trust taught me to read.I can now read my fi rst Christmas card.”

Dear JohnHappy ChristmasAll the best for 2011

See page 15

01 Cover.indd 2 3/12/10 11:08:28

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,

but compensation will.

regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

0800 587 7515

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

1_WP_Thompson.indd 1 1/12/10 11:56:20

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

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 February

2011 issue by 6th January.

Editorial Design

Helen Mackenzie

Advertising

Publisher

Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067

e-mail: [email protected]

Production Co-ordinator

Sue Woodgates 01778 392062

e-mail: [email protected]

Advertising Design

Chris Abrams

Publishers & Printers

Warners Group Publications plc,

The Maltings, West Street,

Bourne, PE10 9PH.

Tel: 01778 393313 Fax: 01778 394748

Dear ReaderWelcome to the December issue of Gatelodge. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Let’s hope 2011 is full of health, happiness and wealth for everyone.

The Union continues to improve communications and both Gatelodge and the website are key aspects to the overall strategy. I ask you all to use the pages of the magazine and visit the website at www.poauk.org.uk to ensure the message gets across and the diffi culties you face everyday are reported accurately. The Union will need to continue its lines of communication to inform the public of these problems.

In the fi rst days of November there were two serious incidents which resulted in injuries to staff , criminal damage and loss of prison accommodation. However, when you analyse the weekly security reports it is clear that there have been serious acts of indiscipline across the prison estate for months and months, but no one seems interested or concerned. We must change the perception of the Coalition Government and the general public or we will continue to be the forgotten service.

The theme of this issue is ‘Prison Works’ and despite what Members of Parliament or other organisations say, I fi rmly believe it does work. The professional men and women of the service deliver and achieve everyday, unfortunately they do not receive the recognition they deserve.

The POA has been proud to sponsor the Shannon Trust and stepped in when the service refused. The achievements of this organisation supported by prison offi cers has consistently demonstrated that we teach key life-skills to prisoners when others have failed. (see page 19)

The Gatelodge editorial team is committed to improving the magazine and will continue to report key issues and encourage readers to contribute. To this end it has been determined that all branch news will be limited to 500 words and jottings must be approved by the local committee. This is not to censor members but to focus contributions on key issues and to stimulate other branches into submitting editorial.

Finally, I would like to thank Carol and Brian who have been involved in the production and distribution of the POA’s offi cial journal.

Yours sincerelyGlyn Travis

WHAT’S INSIDENational Chairman 4

General Secretary 6

NEC Greetings 8

News 10

North of the Border 24

Levy & McRae 29

POA Learning 31

Strictly Private 33

Healthcare Matters 34

Thompsons 35

Branch News 36

Obituaries 45

Postbag 50

Sports Scene 52

24

CONTENTS

WELCOME

35

www.poauk.org.uk December 2010 3

44

3 Contents.indd 1 2/12/10 09:03:22

HOW OUR UNION WILL MOVE FORWARD

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

4 December 2010 www..poauk.org.uk

I thought I would start this article by refl ecting on some of the key issues which have affected

the Union and look at how the Union moves forward into 2011 and beyond.

I have been the National Chairman for eight years and believe we are entering the most challenging and diffi cult times of the POA’s history.

The Union is engaged with the TUC and Public Services Liaison Group as we campaign against the cuts to public services as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, but the membership needs to engage in these campaigns if we are to change the public’s opinion of prisons.

The work continues in preparation of our case to Europe and the International Labour Organisation in respect of our trade union rights. This is vital to the Union if we are to protect the terms and conditions of the membership. Clearly,

the dictate from Government in respect of pay for 2011 reaffi rms the need of the Union to have the ability to engage in collective bargaining.

We are continuing to progress the case against privatisation. The Union has engagedMr Stephen Nathan, a world-renowned author and journalist on the shortcomings of privatisation of prisons; hopefully, the Union will be in a position to launch the strategy and campaign early in the New Year.

The announcement on the results of the Market Tests is due very shortly and the NEC

“I wish to place on record my thanks to the professional men and women of the Service who dealt with the serious incidents at Warren Hilland Moorland.”

4-5 Nat Chairman.indd 2 2/12/10 09:51:08


will determine how to deal with this before the end of this year, but we continue to press Government to abandon this ill-conceived and unnecessary process.

The Hutton Review into pensions is well under way and the recommendations and outcomes from Treasury will need to be assessed as our ability to keep pace with the cost of living is aff ected.

This country and the world have had to come to terms with a global recession and the country’s debt is forcing this Government to take a hard line on public spending. This will impact on every public servant, irrespective of rank or status. Therefore all public sector unions and workers must stand together as one supporting each other otherwise we will all suff er in the long term.

The POA, as a full member of the TUC, is engaging with our fellow unions in the public sector, let no one doubt that we are at the forefront of putting forward our views on how to protect our valued public sectors.

At present, we are engaged in discussions with NOMS on a number of issues, JES, theWay Forward, a National Disputes Agreement so that the POA is in a position to deal with and challenge the imposed budget cuts to each prison as the £2billion reduction to the Ministry of Justice budget is managed over the next four years.

The POA as a responsible Trade Union will always attempt to negotiate and discuss change with the Government and NOMS.

The MoJ is looking at a number of other areas as part of its savings plan; sentencing, court closures, prison closures, a reduction to the prison population, and use of the private and voluntary sectors. The POA needs to be ready to deal with all these proposals should they become reality and impact on POA members.

This brief outline of the challenges we face, leads me to the next area I wish to raise, that being: Does prison work?

Does prison work? I have read many articles in the press, some in support of prisons others in opposition, but the recent events in our prisons demonstrate the risks people working in prisons face every day. In my last article I advised Government that there was no rewind button if budget cuts continued to take eff ect.

I wish to place on record my thanks to the professional men and women of the Service who dealt with the serious incidents at Warren Hill and Moorland.

I was disgusted to read some of the comments from senior offi cials and heads of other organisations which have been covered quite

adequately by writers in this issue of Gatelodge. However, I will be raising those issues at the very highest level of Government to ensure people realise the risks POA members on the frontline run at work.

I have no doubt that prison works; in fact I would go further and say, without prisons, society would be a far more dangerous place to live in. Who comes into prison and for how long has not been a concern of the POA in the past. We now need to consider how we can infl uence politicians on sentencing reforms and use of custodial sentences to ensure the public has confi dence in the prison system.

The Prime Minister is on record as saying that we must have a safer society; one way of safeguarding that society is for our prisons to hold those that are a danger to the public in a secure environment. That can not be attained on the cheap.

Pay Submission 2011 The submission to the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PRB) has been submitted and despite the terms of the activation letter and dictate from Government we are seeking fair and just increases

to pay and allowances for all employees within the remit group. This year will undoubtedly test and demonstrate the true independence of the PRB.

General issuesI visited a number of prisons in recent weeks and it was clear that pensions and prison closures were of concern to members and these issues are in hand at present.

The announcement from Davy Melrose at the Scottish Conference that he intends to stand down at the end of this term of offi ce, as Chairman of the Scottish National Committee was a sad day for this Union and the membership as a whole. I would like to use the pages of Gatelodge to thank Davy for his dedication to the members and wish him well for the future when his term of offi ce ends.

Finally, I would like to wish all the members, support staff , providers, NEC and Assistant Secretaries a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

All the very best and thank you.Colin MosesNational Chairman

4-5 Nat Chairman.indd 3 2/12/10 09:51:25

GENERAL SECRETARY

6 December 2010 www.poauk.org.uk

HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR POA MEMBERS

Effi ciency savings year on year are something that our members, irrespective of

where they work, have had to endure over a signifi cant period of time. We have all heard the buzz words from the employer to justify cuts. Such phrases as “more for less” and “we need to be more fl exible in our working arrangements”.

The POA needs to adopt its own buzz words going into 2011, using such phrases as “health and safety” and “enough is enough” on budget cuts.

The bravery of prison offi cersYou simply cannot put a price or value on human life. It is too valuable. Over the past year we have all witnessed violence at establishment level and we were extremely fortunate that there was no loss of life. Who will forget the awful incidents at HMP Frankland where our members were viciously attacked? Also, the incidents at Leeds, Moorland, Warren Hill andStoke Heath to name just a few. Not a day goes by when our members are not assaulted in the execution of their duties and no-one seems to care.

Our members were rightly incensed when Suma Chakrabarti failed to recognise that brave prison offi cers were assaulted during the disturbances at Moorland andWarren Hill. I cannot believe that he thinks so little of staff that he fails to mention them in a key message.

Politicians and senior civil servants need to wake up and realise that our members are not punch bags, they make up a professional

body of people doing an exceptional, highly skilled job on behalf of society and it is time we insisted on that recognition. Quite frankly, it is now time to re-affi rm our position that “enough is enough” regarding the assaults on our members and if the employer and politicians are not going to take the Health & Safety of their employees seriously then this Union within its policies adopted from annual conference must.

Politicians must be reminded at every opportunity that our Health & Safety is important. They are not dealing with some components in a factory. When implementing cuts they are gambling with our lives and those in our charge.

Every member must jointhe campaignCampaigning will become extremely important in opposing the cuts that could aff ect our Health & Safety. We will need to roll up our sleeves and fi ght. No one will give us anything on a plate. We need every POA member to campaign for their futures. Simple things are eff ective such as writing to your Member of Parliament or visiting them in their surgeries. If they don’t hear from us they will not care. Attending rallies and getting more involved with trades councils and building alliances locally with other trade unions are equally important.

TUS mass rallyThe TUC will be having a mass rally on 26th March 2011 in London. This will bring all trade unions together along with community groups in opposition to the cuts identifi ed within the Comprehensive Spending Review. The POA will be making arrangements on a national basis and we hope thousands of members will be in attendance. Public sector workers are under attack from this Government.

POA members did not cause the global recession yet we are having our pensions

Approaching Christmas, most POA members will be wondering what the New Year will bring. With so much negativity after the Comprehensive Spending Review even the most optimistic are shaking their heads in disbelief.

Not a day goes by where our members are not assaulted in the execution of their duties and no-one seems to care.

Delegates at Whitehall Rally

6-7 Gen Sec.indd 6 2/12/10 09:58:54

HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR POA MEMBERSattacked and pay freezes imposed. Having changes to terms and conditions imposed, such as the abolition of the Civil Service Appeal Board and changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme make it cheaper to make individuals redundant. Market testing public sector prisons, brings the threat to close some prisons and sell our jobs off to the private sector. We as a Union have no choice but to oppose these draconian cuts in order to protect our family’s welfare. Campaigning eff ectively and having clear messages within a strategy organised by the POA NEC for each member to deliver, will be essential to being successful. Members of Parliament feel vulnerable when they have a small majority, we need to target them and demand their support.

Protecting our jobsOver the last few months I have attended functions and rallies at every opportunity around the country to oppose the cuts. I have spoken at many events which have been well attended by lots of diff erent members of trade unions including ours. Some of the functions I attended are ‘Stop the Cuts’ in London and in Manchester. The ‘Coalition of Resistance’ to the cuts, which was a rally opposite Downing Street along with a demonstration at the Conservative Party Conference. I am also aware that executive members have attended other functions around the country. Our members in Scotland attended a rally in Edinburgh whilst members in England and Wales attended a rally organised by the TUC at the Methodist Hall. I realise members spare time is crucial to them but we will need to step up the pace going into the New Year to protect our jobs and maintain our health & safety.

The more members that become involved in the campaigns the better chance we will have at convincing this Coalition Government they have got it wrong. I wish the POA membership and their families a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Steve GillanGeneral Secretary

Gatelodge December 2010 7

6-7 Gen Sec.indd 7 2/12/10 09:59:04

SEASONS GREETINGS


NEC GREETINGS!May all POA members everywhere enjoy a very happy Christmas,

safe with your loved ones.I hope that standing together we can work towards a secure and

prosperous New Year...

(Might take a bit of work!)

My kindest regards and seasonal thoughts to you and your families.

Tom Robson, National Vice Chairman.

Wishing all staff at Cronin House,Linden House, Calder Road, Castell House and all POA Learning Centres,a merry Christmas and happy New Year.Angela Sinclair, Senior Offi ce Administrator.

As National Chairman of the POA I would

like to take this opportunity to wish

everyone ahappy Christmas.

I hope 2011 brings us all together and we stand side by side as we face up to the diffi cult times ahead.All the very best to you all.

Colin Moses. National Chairman.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all POA members and their families a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year

I hope 2011 brings you health, happiness and wealth.All the very best.

Pete Chapple, POA Finance Offi cer.

Hello readers,

May I take this opportu

nity

to wish you all a

merry Christmas and a

happy New Year.

I hope the festive season brings you peace and

goodwill. Enjoy the time with your loved ones and

remember those less fortunate than yourselves.

All the very best,

Glyn Travis, Assistant Secretary.

Dear Colleagues, As General Secretary of the POA I’d like to wish members, the NEC, full time Officers, SNC, Northern Ireland area committee and support staff, a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. All the best, Steve Gillan, General Secretary.

8-9 NEC Greetings.indd 8 3/12/10 11:12:30

SEASONS GREETINGS


I would like to take this opportunity

to wish all the membership, especially

members in the East Midlands area,

support staff at Linden and Cronin House

and their families, seasons greetings and

best wishes for the New Year.Glen Birchall, NEC.

Seasons greetings to all of the London and Kent branches. I would like to thank all the branch officials for their work over the past year in what has proved to be a trying period. I would particularly like to thank all those who attended the various rallies this year from May Day to Tollpuddle and the demonstrations in London following the Spending Review

I wish you all a very happy New Year.John Hancock, NEC.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you and your

families, a veryhappy Christmas.

Enjoy this festive season and remember it’s FAITH

makes things possible, but it’s UNITY that makes

them happen. So keep the faith, stay united and

let’s have a prosperous 2011.

Stephen Baines, NEC.

Dear ColleaguesAULD LANG SYNE

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and

everything you would wish for yourself.

It’s not often I write my thoughts in Gatelodge, but I feel I cannot let this year pass without expressing my

sadness and respect for all my friends and colleagues that have been taken from our company this year.

May the gates be frozen for such sadness in 2011, and when New Year approaches, join with me and

raise a cup of kindness to our friends, for Auld Lang Syne. Brian Traynor, NEC.

Seasons Greetings to everyone, especially those colleagues who I have worked with for many years. I hope 2011 brings all of us good

health and happiness. Pete McParlin, NEC.

Colleagues, friends and family. As a new member to the NEC I am pleased to be able to send you very best wishes for this festive season. I look forward to seeing you all in 2011.

Ralph Valerio, NEC.Colleagues, I would like to use the pages of Gatelodge to wish everyone a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Let’s hope 2011 brings us health, wealth

and happiness.

Mark Freemen, Deputy General Secretary.

8-9 NEC Greetings.indd 9 3/12/10 11:12:08

NEWS


Although there had been an organised TUC protest the previous day at the Methodist

Central Hall near Parliament, a more grass-roots demonstration took place on the 20th October 2010. Headed by the Camden Trades Council, trade unionists and other groups gathered at Lincoln’s Inn Fields and from there they marched to Whitehall to attend a rally.

The gathering at Whitehall soon began to fi ll the pavement opposite Downing Street, with a large Police presence. The organiser announced that Whitehall would be closed from 6pm, meaning we could rally on the road from then. One activist, distributing leafl ets recognised my POA pin badge and we exchanged messages of support.

As soon as 6pm chimed, people went on the road only to discover it had not been closed off ! Having been asked by the Police not to block the pavement, we were now being asked to go back on to it to clear the road. After about fi fteen minutes though, Whitehall was fi nally closed and the speakers approached the podium.

SpeakersIt was quite an array of speakers, starting with Tony Benn, a POA Honorary Life Member. He spoke of the mess that the banks had left us in and how those not responsible will be paying for it. John McDonnell MP, also an Honorary Life Member of the POA spoke about his upcoming Lawful Industrial Action(Minor Errors Bil)l to cover minor errors in ballots and also about the cuts everyone will face.

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the PCS also talked about the cuts and said that many of his members may be facing redundancy. Bob Crow of the RMT spoke of the impending damage to ordinary working people and the attacks on trade unions for defending their members’ rights.

Steve Gillan’s addressOur own General Secretary, Steve Gillan addressed the crowds also emphasising the very uncertain future including that of all the trade unions gathered at the rally. He said that our Union was the only Union legally forbidden to strike but if the attack came, then action would be taken. Having attended

some rallies in the past where the POA has not always had a warm reception, Steve was greeted with loud cheers at the start and end of his speech.

Reverend Jesse JacksonThe speaker who drew the biggest cheer was the American Civil rights leader, the Reverend Jesse Jackson. I noticed Lee Jasper, BARAC, speaking with Reverend Jackson just prior to him going on the podium. It looked almost as if he was explaining that British crowds react diff erently to speeches but it was amazing to hear a man, would had been with Dr Martin Luther King in the 1960s, speak about fairness, justice and jobs. He was on the balcony of the hotel in 1968 with Dr King when he was assassinated. By coincidence, Dr King’s assassin, James Earl Ray, had been held in the condemned cell at Wandsworth prior to his extradition back to the U.S.

Forum meetingThe rally from Lincoln’s Inn Field had joined the swelling numbers in Whitehall and although there were more speakers, a forum meeting in Portcullis House took place.

Held in the Boothroyd Room, the speakers here included, Matt Wrack (FBU), Tony Benn, Jeremy Dear (NUJ), Bob Crow (RMT) and our own Steve Gillan, General Secretary, POA.

The main theme of this forum was to discuss the Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill and its second reading on the 22nd October. This came because the courts have been able to overturn democratic union ballots due to insignif icant errors in the process. As most union ballots are done by the independent Electoral Reform Services, any problems are usually in how results are communicated or the ludicrous way in which unions must identify their members by grade and workplace, with information provided by the employer!

Bob Crow opened by declaring himself, “The voice of moderation” which generated a few laughs. He mentioned the Tory anti trade union laws that promised to give unions back to their members. This piece of alleged democracy has seen trade union membership drop by millions and workers being more vulnerable than ever to bullying employers with no unions in the workplace.

Steve Gillan spoke about the shackles in which we operate, a piece of Tory legislation carried on by Labour, in spite of a promise in opposition to remove it. We are an essential public service so the Government prevents us from striking at the same time as it operates private prisons to generate a profi t for the companies involved.

Lobby your MPThe meeting fi nished with a reminder to people to lobby their MP to attend Parliament to get the bill through its second reading. The process needs 100 MPs to get it to the next stage and it needs support from all trade unionists.

COALITION OF RESISTANCE RALLY IN WHITEHALLStewart McLaughlin, Branch Secretary of Wandsworth POA reports on theforum meeting at Portcullis House, held on the 20th October 2010.

For information on how to lobby your MP, visit the POA website atwww.poauk.org.uk

Delegates from HMP Whatton

News.indd 10 2/12/10 10:41:45

NEWS


Dear Colleagues,I would like to take this opportunity to convey

my immense gratitude and thanks to the staff at Moorland Prison during the three consecutive nights of rioting there. I would also like to extend that gratitude and thanks to the Tornado teams that helped greatly to restore order during that diffi cult time.

I can say, without any fear of contradiction, that had it not been for the professional, brave and indeed, heroic actions of all those staff involved, then the injuries sustained, damage infl icted and the severe disruption, would without doubt, have been unthinkable.

POA members at Moorland turned up for duty after the fi rst night of rioting, again after the

second night and again after the third night of rioting, equally committed to the job of restoring their prison, restoring order, restoring a regime and restoring safety for all who reside there.

My personal thanks also go to Rick Midgely and Paul McClellan of the POA committee, for their professionalism whilst dealing with the TV, radio and media reports and, of course, for their involvement in dealing with the riots and, their unwavering support of the staff . They are not only a credit to Moorland prison, but also, a great credit to the POA.

Finally, it was disappointing that Government offi cials not only failed to recognise the brave men and women of Moorland and the

Tornado teams during these riots, but saw fi t only to state their regret over the injuries sustained by prisoners. There was no mention of the injuries sustained by staff or, of the tremendous work done by them. If only they could have praised the bravery of prison staff during these riots as they saw fi t to praise the bravery of the Police during the student demonstrations in London, then, they may have gone a small way to making prison offi cers feel as respected and, valued, as the Police however, yet again, they blew it.

The Government doesn’t care, the prison service doesn’t care colleagues, but you have my utmost promise, that I, the NEC and every POA member, does care and we will never let anyone forget it. You have my pledge that we will not continue to be the forgotten service.

I salute you all.

Tony Merricks,National Executive Committee,North East/ Yorkshire and Humberside.

MAGNIFICENT MOORLAND

Colleagues,As you are no doubt aware HMP Moorland had what could only be described as a pretty bad week.

The problems started on Tuesday 2nd of November when three members of staff were assaulted during the afternoon, one sustaining a suspected fractured jaw.

During the evening association period a fi ght broke out between two young off enders which we believe was gang related. Staff intervened and that seems to have been the catalyst for what ensued. Approximately 50 young off enders began to riot, hurling pool balls and other missiles at staff who were initially trapped on the wing but fought their way off and withdrew to safety. All the usual command measures came into eff ect and tornado teams were called. After about six hours of this disturbance all the prisoners were allowed to surrender and placed back in their cells which were not badly damaged.

On the evening of Wednesday 3rd November, on the same unit but a diff erent wing, 56 enhanced young off enders refused to lock up after association and again began to riot (more vigorously than the previous night) again pool balls were used as missiles along with anything else that could be used, particularly broken porcelain from cells.

Barricades were built and fi res started. Again the command suite was opened and tornado called. A prisoner who had been badly beaten

was rescued by a snatch squad before national response arrived, this was a decision taken at the scene independently from silver command.

The young off enders still in their cells from the previous night smashed up their cells, fl ooding the wing. The incident was resolved some six hours later when all involved, about 56 young off enders, surrendered. All involved had to be decanted around the estate.

On Thursday 4th November, an offi cer was assaulted with a pool ball (there seems to be a common theme here don’t you think?) during afternoon association.

On the evening of the 4th November at the end of association,160 plus prisoners on the adult unit refused to lock up and proceeded to riot even more severely than the previous two nights.

I don’t think I need to tell you what was used to throw at staff until they could withdraw!

A prisoner was so badly beaten that again, a small number of staff went onto the unit to rescue him and at the time of writing this prisoner is still in a critical condition in hospital. Another prisoner who had locked himself in his cell but was being ‘burnt out’ by the others tried to hang himself rather than burn to death and again a small unit of staff fought their way on to the wing and rescued him.

This disturbance again lasted for about seven hours and was brought under control by the tornado unit’s intervention. All 160 plus prisoners were shipped out.

At the time of writing we have a calm prison and are enjoying a regime that could only be dreamed of, even by some older staff ! But we must, and will, slowly return to normal.

We as a committee would like to give our thanks to the following people:• The staff of HMP Moorland for their

professionalism, dedication and humour throughout this diffi cult time

• Steve Gillan for being at the end of the phone and liaising with higher management

• Tom Robson for attending during the fi nal night and being a calming infl uence on our angry branch secretary and handling the intense media interest

• Glyn Travis and Steve Baines for coming on the Friday morning and giving our committee some respite

• And Tony Merricks, our rep for being on hand at all times.

Our thanks also go out to all the staff who attended in whatever capacity - we are extremely grateful.

Our greatest thanks and utmost respect however goes to the incredibly brave staff that aff ected the rescue of the prisoners who were potentially dying in front of us. They heroically fought their way on to rioting wings to do this and I will not rest until their deeds are properly recognised.

Moorland.

News.indd 11 3/12/10 11:13:43

DOES PRISON WORK?Glyn Travis, Assistant Secretary of the POA, asks the question: “Do prisoners only peck at each other Francis?”

NEWS


I have been monitoring the papers for several months, reading comments from leading

politicians and senior offi cials from a variety of organisations in respect of prisons, prisoners and whether prison works. I have reproduced a number of these quotes here, to set out the different views and opinions of people in respect of prisons to support my opinion that prison works.

Following the recent riot at HMP&YOI Moorland Francis Crook of the Howard League said:

“We all know that young men have high energy and these young people in particular are unlikely to want to sit quietly and read a book. So what happens to them in prison? We coop them up like

battery chickens and then are surprised when they peck at each other.”

I have to say this is one of the most ridiculous statements I have read in a long time and very irresponsible in my opinion. It appears to me that Francis is justifying the riot and actions of those prisoners but nothing surprises me when theHoward League is involved. I would like the Howard League to consider the latest information from NOMS in respect of assaults in prisons which has increased by 11%. The level of violence in some Juveniles and YOIs is at an all time high and the evidence does support the view that: “Prisoners only peck at each other.”

I attended Moorland and walked around the prison as did other members of the NEC as staff tried to regain control of the prison. Here is my report on the events:

RIOTS ATHMP&YOI MOORLANDTuesday 2nd November 2010Serious incident on House Block 4 involving young off enders, three staff injured, female offi cer suff ers suspected broken jaw. Serious water and fi re damage to House Block 4, little damage to cells due to them being closed off during association period. National C&R units deployed, incident ends 0230. Tony Merricks and Steve Gillan attended and supported local POA committee and staff following day. Gold command opened, POA not advised of incident at National level.

Wednesday 3rd November 2010Serious incident on House Block 4 involving enhanced young off enders, minor staff injuries. Serious water and fi re damage to House Block 4

News.indd 12 2/12/10 10:51:02

NEWS

and further damage to cells in A Wing where prisoners were locked up. Signifi cant damage occurred to cells during the riot due to them being open during association period. These were enhanced prisoners. National C &R units deployed. More than 80 young off enders decanted to establishments across the prison estate with the majority of staff remaining on duty. The Governor continued to run a normal regime, staff injured during the day as prisoners reacted to previous night’s riot. Press and media dealt with at national and local level. Gold command opened, POA not advised of incident at National level.Silver command opened at local level.

Thursday 4th November 2010Serious incident on House Block 1 involving adult prisoners, minor staff injuries. Serious water and fi re damage to House Block 1. Again, signifi cant damage to cells as they were open during association period for enhanced prisoners. Staff struggled to secure other areas of prison when initial incident occurred as an alarm bell on other wing was used as a decoy. Prisoners who were locked up started to damage cells during riot in support of others. There were serious threats to staff and other prisoners who refuse to engage in riot once prisoners had control of area. One prisoner has fi re deliberately started outside of his cell and he attempts to take his own life by hanging. Duty Governor orders staff to go in and despite the violent attacks by other prisoners they enter cell and resuscitate prisoner removing him to place of safety. This was clearly a planned riot, prisoners

had packed their personal belongings and bagged them up knowing they would be transferred once situation resolved. National C &R units deployed, situation brought under control at around 2am all prisoners accounted for and 166 decanted to prisons across the estate during the incident. One prisoner was seriously assaulted and removed from the area by staff and taken to outside hospital. Condition critical. Staff had relayed information to management stating that the prison was unsafe and that there would be another incident. Concerns ignored by management locally even when local POA advised them of the serious concerns of staff . Majority of staff remain on duty throughout the night. Tom Robson attended prison throughout the night. Steve Baines and Glyn Travis attend at 05.30. Press and media dealt with at national and local level. Gold command opened, POA not advised of incident at National level until 21.15. Silver command opened at local level.

On Friday 5th November 2010Incident under total control, remaining prisoners being transferred. Gold command remains open in London, Silver command takes charge of prison locally. National C&R teams leave prison with some units replacing them for the daytime routine. A staff briefi ng took place at 08.00 by Governor in charge. During the day regular briefi ngs with Duty Governors occurred and prisoners were served breakfast and lunch at their cell doors, controlled unlock for prisoners on methadone and prescribed medication. One member of staff was

assaulted but not seriously and it was suggested that the prisoner did this to get transferred. The majority of staff remained on duty and the segregation unit was emptied during the day. In the afternoon Silver Command determined to cancel visits for the weekend and it was agreed to facilitate telephone calls and a shower for all prisoners wherever possible. Press and media dealt with at national and local level.

The police serious crime squad attended the prison to gather evidence.

The general concerns of staff were that the imposed regime was partially to blame. The lack of staff working in the security department resulted in information on prisoners not being collated for weeks.

At the time of the incidents, four weeks information was outstanding.

It was reported that a high octane mix of prisoners was also a signifi cant factor. The lack of staff and long hour culture was also raised as a concern.

It seems that there are some serious industrial relations problems with the local SMT and POA committee.

The weekend routine went well with no reported problems.

The actions of prisoners at this prison do not refl ect those of chickens pecking each other.

This report was used as the basis for a parliamentary briefi ng by the General Secretary of the POA, Steve Gillan. When I spoke to Steve he was appalled at some of the comments that had been made and was writing to register the Union’s disgust and to seek apologies.


News.indd 13 2/12/10 10:51:20

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I was surprised to read the statement from Suma Chakrabarti Permanent Secretary, “That it was regrettable prisoners had been injured.” No mention of staff or the damage to the prison. Perhaps he should have taken a lead from Crispin Blunt, the Prisons Minister, following his visit to HMP & YOI Moorland the scene of the three disturbances on consecutive days, where he took the opportunity to view the damage to the units involved and was briefed by Rob Kellett, the Governing Governor and Danny McAllister the Director of High Security who is conducting the investigation, into the disturbances.

At the end of his visit he said: “During the tactical management of the incidents, which appears to have been exemplary, there were signifi cant examples of bravery exercised by the staff at the establishment, which probably resulted in at least two off enders owing their lives to actions of prison staff .

“I look forward to the Governor,Rob Kellett, and his team getting Moorland back to normal as soon as practicable.

“I am very grateful to all the staff involved for the professional way they responded to the challenge they faced last week. They reacted in the best traditions of the Service.”

The Prisons Minister had a view on the prison and actions of staff and prisoners and I think it is poles apart from that of Francis Crook of the Howard League.

Whilst Moorland was dealing with a riot for several days, HMPYOI Warren Hill, another juvenile prison was experiencing a serious disturbance which resulted in the loss of prison accommodation and off enders having to be transferred across the prison estate.

I wonder what the cost of these will be to the tax payer?

What the press says about prisonsWhat the press says aboutprisons

How Ken Clarke’s prison policy has been shaped.“Prison works,” said Michael Howard as Home Secretary in 1993. At the time, it signalled a signifi cant hardening of the Tory government’s approach to crime and punishment. Since Mr Howard made that speech, prison numbers have been increasing pretty steadily; the fi gure currently stands at about 85,000. BBC News 30th June 2010

Ken Clarke says imprisonment not linked to crime fall.There is no link between rising levels of imprisonment and falling crime, Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has said. BBC News 14th July 2010

Metropolitan Police Commissioner is ‘fan of prison’ Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson says he is “rather fond of villains going to prison”.

BBC News 11th August 2010

Prison Offi cer’s fears after attack, as violence rises in region’s jails, a victim says: “I may never work again.” Last year there were 1,623 assaults on offi cers and prisoners in North-East and North Yorkshire prisons – at least one every 5 hours – up from 1,167 the year before. Northern Echo 31st August 2010

Tony Blair criticises coalition prison policies, former Prime Minister Tony Blair has criticised the prison policies being pursued by the coalition government. Mr Blair said: “There was a need to imprison those who deserve to be there”. BBC News 6th September 2010

Clarke’s vision: A return to Victorian-style prisons where inmates will fi nd hard work, discipline… and NO drugs. Mail 14th October 2010

As career criminals with 100 convictions are spared jail, MPs ask… What DOES get you locked up? Mail 15th October 2010

Most off enders return to crime, offi cial fi gures show. Three-quarters of off enders return to crime regardless of whether they are jailed or given community sentences, according to the Ministry of Justice. BBC News 4th November 2010

Foreign murderers, rapists and other criminals are being off ered cash bribes of up to £1,500 to return home after serving their sentences. The Coalition has trebled the amount of money off ered to prisoners who go back to their country of origin voluntarily. Tom Whitehead, Home Aff airs Editor, Telegraph 9th November 2010

News.indd 14 2/12/10 10:52:06

At HMP Bure, one of the country’s newest prisons, a new and effective Toe by Toe

Reading Plan has emerged. It was adopted as a learning programme prior to the prison opening. Offi cers and staff received introductory briefs on the purpose of Toe by Toe, how

they could support the programme and the potential benefi ts to all involved. Promotional materials were displayed around the prison to raise awareness and the profi le ofToe by Toe. It was thanks to the prison’s inclusive approach that many offi cers and members of staff bought into the concept of Toe by Toe and gave it their support.

HMP Bure has adopted a whole prison approach to delivering Toe by Toe. The Reading Plan was initially established in the gym but has since been embraced by the education department, library and other departments. Making Toe by Toe available throughout the prison has helped to make it part of the prison culture and make it a programme of choice for prisoners with poor reading skills. Many prisoners at HMP Bure are now benefi ting from the hard work of offi cers, management and staff to establish a popular and eff ective

Toe by Toe Reading Plan. Thanks to the combined eff orts of everyone involved in Toe by Toe at HMP Bure, many prisoners have started learning to read and are experiencing the benefi ts of learning an important skill and the life changing impact it has upon their self-esteem, confi dence and how they see the future.

Throughout the UK in 2009, over 6,000non-reading prisoners engaged in theToe by Toe Reading Plan helped by over 1,500 prisoner mentors. The commitment of0HMP Bure and these fi gures highlight what can be achieve with dedicated staff , innovation and a popular intervention. The debate around the eff ectiveness of prison in rehabilitating off enders has been widely discussed, with many diff erent points of view held.

Shannon Trust’s experience is that when the right intervention is delivered at the right time, to the right person in an appropriate manner the lives of prisoners can and will be changed.

CAN PRISON WORK?After ten years of delivering Toe by Toe in prisons, the Shannon Trust has helped thousands of non-reading prisoners start to learn to read. In addition to this, the Reading Plan has been supported by the thousands of reading mentors.

POA SPONSORS THE SHANNON TRUST ‘TOE BY TOE’ PROGRAMMEToe by Toe is now recognised as one of the most successful intervention programmes running within the secure estate.

Christopher Morgan, founder of the Shannon Trust, came to Cronin House in 2002 to give

Colin Moses and me a convincing and passionate illustration of theToe by Toe reading programme. The mentor-based scheme, designed to quickly teach inmates to read, was ideal for Prison Offi cers to buy into. At the time, the scheme had barely got off the ground, only a couple of Prison Governors and Prison Offi cers had shown interest and the Prison Service Directorate rejected the scheme.

Union interventionI am extremely proud to say that this Union recognised the potential of the scheme and gave its backing to the inspirational reading plan by actively encouraging its members to get involved. Since that slow beginning, the partnership has helped thousands of prisoners in a very positive and satisfying way.

In 2004, following the Shannon Trust’s introduction to our Annual Conference 2003, the scheme began to spread throughout the prison estate. This culminated in the POA sponsored Shannon Trust winning the coveted Longford Prize (reported in Gatelodge April 2004). It was a great privilege and pleasure to be at the presentation watching as Prison Offi cers had their work recognised.

We continue to go from strength to strength as Toe by Toe is now recognised as one of the most successful intervention programmes running within the secure estate.

The POA continues to be extremely pleased to play an active role in association with the Shannon Trust. We now look forward to the 2011 presentation of the POA Shannon Trust, Toe by Toe Cup in May. Details of this forthcoming important event will be published in the February 2011 edition of Gatelodge.

Tom Robson,National Vice Chairman.

For further information or assistance please contact:www.shannontrust.org.uk or telephone 0207 374 8855

The POA continues to be extremely pleased to play an active role in association with the Shannon Trust. We now look forward to the 2011 presentation of the POA Shannon Trust, Toe by Toe Cup in May. Details of this forthcoming important event will be published

NEWS


News.indd 15 3/12/10 11:15:42

Funeral for Alan ParkinsonThursday 4th November – 8amIt was time to get out of a warm bed and prepare for a day of very mixed emotions. I left home at 9am to go to Argos in Ormskirk to collect some Christmas presents for the grandchildren. After a few mistakes and phone calls home I eventually collected the items I had been sent for (it’s an age thing).

Thursday 4th November – 10.20amI arrived at St Thomas Parish Church in Lydiate to attend the funeral of a good friend andex-colleague Alan Parkinson (44 years of age). It was soon very obvious that this was to be well attended by his family, friends and colleagues and I would estimate that over 200 people went.

Senior Offi cer, Tom Mussell, formed a Guard of Honour into the church and it made me feel so proud of the staff that were in full dress uniform. It was nice to see them all there, Liverpool Prison had been locked down so the staff could attend and this was due, I believe, to the No 1 Governor, John Illingsworth, who also attended. (It would not have happened with the previous, unliked? so-called Governor).

Alan’s father Kingsley, is an ex-Chief Offi cer 2 from Liverpool Prison and it was pleasing to see so many of his old, retired colleagues turn out to support him at this very sad time. The service was assisted by Alan’s uncle, The Reverend Frank Parkinson. He had travelled from Durham and in his response he gave a very moving tribute to his nephew. After the service we were invited by the family for refreshments at Maghull Town Hall.

Thursday 4th November – 3pmI was collected by taxi from home for the journey to the John Lennon Airport Liverpool. Arriving at the airport and passing through security it was time for a nice cold beer whilst I waited for my fl ight to George Best Airport in Belfast. As usual, I was met at the airport by our colleague Sammy Jameson and taken to his house where his wife Carol had made me some soup and sandwiches.

Sammy and I then retired to his lounge to watch the Liverpool v Napoli football match.

A great result with Steve Gerrard scoring a hat trick to seal the win. Sammy and I stayed up for a few hours drinking his lager and talking. Then it was off to bed for a well-earned sleep and to refl ect on an emotional day of much sadness but also some joy.

Service of RemembranceFriday 5th November – 7.30amThis was the day when I was to lay the wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph on behalf of The Prison Offi cers Association. It was a very cold and bleak day and windy at times but at least it stayed dry.

I was woken by Sammy and after a quick shower and shave was treated to breakfast by Carol and Heather, Sammy’s wife and daughter. It was soon time to leave for the journey to Millisle and to Castell House. On arrival, we were met by June Robinson and members of the Northern Ireland Committee. Finley Spratt wasn’t there as he was at home recuperating after a knee replacement operation (get well soon) being nursed at home by Tony Freel(in full nurse’s uniform) I hope.

I was then taken by Sammy Jameson to meet the parade organisers to fi nd out the order of service for the day.

Friday 5th November – 10.30amAll the guests assembled and a Guard of Honour formed to meet Mr David Ford, the Government Minister and other distinguished guests.

Friday 5th November – 10.55am The offi cial party and clergy paraded to the Cenotaph for the service.

Friday 5th November – 11am The Last Post was sounded, followed by two minutes silence, at this time the Union Jack was lowered. This was followed by the Reveille and a lament by the pipers of the Prison Service Pipe Band.

The Roll of Honour of all our fallen colleagues was then read out by Mrs Angeline McTier, this was followed by the words of The Supreme Sacrifi ce, before the honoured guests laid their wreaths. When my time came I felt so humble and yet so proud to lay the wreath of poppies on

WE WILL REMEMBER THEMThe Northern Ireland Prison Service held a memorial service at the Prison Service College, Millisle, in November. Dave ‘Cannon’ Phillips, Senior Offi cer (Retired) at H.M.P. Liverpool reports on on a funeral for a good friend and then the Northern Ireland Prison Service rememberence service at the Prison Service College, Millisle.

NEWS


Dave ‘Cannon’ Phillips,Senior Offi cer (Retired) at HMP Liverpool

News.indd 16 3/12/10 11:18:01

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WE WILL REMEMBER THEMbehalf of the POA. The service then continued with hymns and prayers from the clergy.

The service was concluded by the congregation singing the National Anthem. The Guard of Honour formed again and marched off to the sounds of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band.

Old and new friendsRefreshments were served in a marquee in the grounds of the Prison Service College. It was time to meet up with old friends and indeed to meet and make new ones. Once again, I had arranged to meet Mrs Dawn Ferguson, the daughter of the late Brian Armour. Dawn was accompanied by her husband Gareth this year, I hadn’t met Gareth before but we soon became good friends. Dawn and I then arranged to meet at her parent’s graveside at 3pm.

Before we said our goodbyes and left Millisle, I collected some fl owers ordered by June Robinson to lie on Brian and Jean’s grave. I also collected a bouquet to give to Dawn. Sammy and I arrived at the grave early in order to clear all the autumn leaves before Dawn and Gareth’s arrival. We then all visited the grave together to place the fl owers and a wreath of poppies in remembrance.

On arrival back at Sammy’s house I gave Carol a bouquet of fl owers as a sincere thank you for allowing me once again to stay in the family home. I am always made so welcome and it’s far better than staying alone in a hotel. Sammy and I then went out for a few drinks with friends and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Prison Service before returning home to bed.

Saturday 6th November – 8amI was woken from a deep sleep (too much beer) and after a breakfast it was time to say goodbye and thanks to Sammy and Carol for their fantastic hospitality. Sammy then took me back to Belfast airport for my fl ight home.

Thank youI would like to express my sincere thanks to our Chairman, Colin Moses, for giving me the opportunity to represent the POA on this special occasion, also Glyn Travis, Steve Gillan and our Finance Offi cer Pete Chapple.

Thanks also to Finlay Spratt, June Robinson and the Northern Ireland Committee for asking me to lay the wreath at this years’ Service of Remembrance. I’d also like to my hosts Sammy and Carol Jameson and their family for their kind and generous hospitality in allowing me to share their home.

Thanks to all concerned it was truly an honour conferred.

“Two minute’s silence followed the Last Post.”

News.indd 17 3/12/10 11:16:38

NEWS

18 December 2010 www.poauk.org.uk1818

Imagine my bemusement when I picked it up. Why was my place of work and therefore vocation

displayed for all to see above my address? No doubt another good job, well done by the prize-winning shared service centre I thought.

I opened the letter, and in truth, it wasn’t too dissimilar to many others I have received in the past. It included a direct debit mandate form for me to fi ll in and return to the address provided and was from a registered charity.

I was now intrigued, so I read the content once, and then (slightly bemused), read it for a second time. Now, I assume you are all accustomed to the generic form of a charity letter; an outline of the plight that particular charity faces as it strives to improve the lives of the underprivileged or impoverished. They then tend to ask you to help contribute by off ering some form of monetary assistance. On the face of it, this charity appeal was no diff erent, it asked me for money to help their cause. But what was unusual about this letter was that in reality, after having read it twice, I believed that actually, I had a great deal more to off er this particular cause than simply handing over my hard earned cash. I am just never likely to be asked.

The charity in question is the Howard League for Penal Reform.

The letter opens “we are listening to the views of young people in trouble with the law so that we can help turn their lives around”, which in itself is a valiant cause and something that you and I do for a profession. It then talks at length about how the Howard League and their ‘expert team’ will be “holding participation workshops and meeting individual children”. The objective behind this initiative is to get these “children” to “think creatively about how to make the whole criminal justice system work

more eff ectively for them, for victims and the whole country”.

“Well” I thought, “that will be a big piece of work” and one that would require considerable multi-disciplinary input in order to be even remotely successful. In fact, it is not my intention to be cynical, but I would be hugely interested to see the outcomes of these workshops and would question their validity given the terms of reference.

I question whether these ‘expert teams’ can cut through the often very apparent cognitive defi cits displayed by most off enders. It won’t be easy; they will have to diff erentiate between the blaming of other people for their individual actions that led to incarceration in the fi rst place, along with the lacking of empathy for others and their victims. Throw some narcissistic tendencies into the mix and the water is well and truly muddied when the teams seek a purposeful insight that will provide the cure for the criminal justice system.

Unsurprisingly, the letter explains that from the groups held thus far “the young people have identifi ed three themes: poor relationships with the police, diff erential sentencing, and dreadful prison conditions.”

And there you have it. It’s the fault of the police, judges and prison offi cers that young people come to prison.

Christmas will comeearly for criminalsSince reading the letter I have thought about it a lot. I’ve clearly had it wrong all this time - or are the lunatics in danger of taking over the asylum?

I simply cannot be convinced that the reasoning behind young people committing crime and coming to prison has nothing to do with an individual’s poor moral reasoning or problem solving skills. Neither is it a direct

result of the erosion of society where the moral fabric of this nation continues to be stretched to tearing point by decades of governmental policy towards selfi sh capitalism where greed is good. Add this to insipid sentencing and rehabilitation policies and you fi nd a society where the haves have a lot and many of those who have not, simply just take, commit crime, and show little or no respect for the damage they have done.

As much as I believe that their intentions are honourable, I can’t help but think that the Howard League are consulting the wrong people for such a monumental change to how we deal with off enders in society. Not once does the letter state that there will be any consultation of views of the victims of crime. Indeed there seems no public consideration from the Howard League for the impact that the predicted cut of 40,000 jobs within our nation’s police services would have upon public safety. The Federation of Police Offi cers believe this simply translates to “Christmas will come early for criminals”. Though, like the POA, I doubt they will be asked for their professional opinion either.

Moreover, I will be surprised if our Magistrates, Procurator Fiscals andCrown Court Judges will have a voice when our sentencing policies are reviewed as part of our new Government’s rehabilitation revolution.

I wonder if any of these custodians of law and order were asked for their views? I am sure they have opinions with regards to how the criminal justice system, to which many have devoted their lives, could be improved for the 21st century. Or, as in my case, were they simply asked to foot the bill to help subsidise a very dangerous practice, where our views, no matter how constructive they may be, are irrelevant.

Claims based upon opinion rather than factThe letter does not conclude there. There is much made of the “dreadful prison conditions”,

BIG SOCIETY OR BIG MISTAKE?I had an interesting letter the other week. Some of you may have also received one. Here I was, having just returned from a week away withMrs V and wee Ava, sorting through the usual deluge of circulars andjunk mail, when here it was, addressed to Ralph Valerio, HMP Elmley,HM Prison Service. And then, my address.

I cannot be convinced that the reasoning behind young people committing crime and coming to prison has nothing to do with an individual’s poor moral reasoning or problem solving skills.

News.indd 18 3/12/10 11:19:47

Ralph Valerio

HMP Elmley

HM Prison Service

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BIG SOCIETY OR BIG MISTAKE?and the letter heralds the Howard League’s fi rst campaign which will be on food in prisons. It reads “Children in prison are hungry . . . It is no wonder that violence levels inside prisons is at an all-time high. More than 2000 children in prison today get hardly any exercise, poor food and little education. Hungry and bored teenagers cooped up in modern dungeons and then dumped back onto the streets to create more crime”.

Whilst some of us may agree with some element of the sentiment here, such claims are largely based upon opinion as opposed to fact. These often ill-informed evangelists can only serve to undermine the good work done by prison offi cers up and down this country. At best it only serves to demonise us as professionals. I can only guess who our Justice Minister has been speaking to, to conclude that our prisons are “hell holes”.

To confi rm my beliefs, the letter boasts “the Howard League of Penal Reform is working closely with the new Government to put forward ideas to improve community sentences for both children and adults at the same time as addressing unnecessary use of custody. Our academic research programme will feed into government policy on short sentences, policing and work in prisons.”

Rehabilitation revolutionAnd colleagues, that is the sad truth. The Howard League for Penal Reform does indeed have the ear of Mr Clark the Minister for Justice and Mr Blunt our Prisons Minister and they are not alone. The phrase ‘rehabilitation revolution’ has been born from the new Coalition Government’s courting of countless reform trusts and charities. Many of these organisations are currently vying to bid for rehabilitation programme delivery in our establishments on a performance related basis. None of whom seem to have raised any form of concern about the potential risks to all our health and safety should the Coalition Government’s demand the expected25% -40% cut in prison budget.

Missing the real problemsIndeed, whilst organisations like the Howard League of Penal Reform choose to focus upon issues such as food and continue to draw inappropriate comparisons between hunger and violence in prison, they will continue to miss the real problems that aff ect the lives of people who live and work in prison. Indeed such naive

investigation will only serve to paint inaccurate pictures for the ministers, press and general public about the good work done by prison offi cers who continue to maintain safe environments whilst having to contend with the continually dwindling resources and challenging environments.

The Howard League for Penal Reform has no intention of seeking our views about how the penal system could be improved. They have no intention of seeking our views about how our prisons could help serve the public more eff ectively.

They have no intention of considering the negative consequences that will come from their failed quest for a big society. Indeed, they will have no intention of acknowledging the beleaguered POA members who will be left to pick up the pieces in its wake.

Ralph Valerio,NEC.

NEWS


News.indd 19 3/12/10 11:19:57

Prison Service (Operational Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGC).I have been asked by Steve Bostock, National Vice Chairman of the POA to give some background to the development of thePrison Service (Operational Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGC).

14 years ago I was approached by a senior offi cer at HMP Staff ord for some help in a letter he wanted to send to our local MP regarding long service medals because at the time, HMPS did not provide one in recognition of long service for its employees. He approached me because he knew that I collected military medals as a hobby. I was astonished to learn that the prison service did not have an award especially when I discovered that the UK police, fi re service, coast guards and most voluntary service organisations had their own LSGC Medal. The Colonial prison services also had awards such as the Colonial Prison Service medal, which was set up by the Government.

Great supportSo, the obvious question was why not us? We drafted a letter and sent it off to our MP and the then Director General, Martin Neary. The MP, to his credit, asked questions in theHouse of Commons and we received an answer that they were looking in to the idea positively and they intended to introduce a medal. This actually turned out to be the Director General’s Long Service Pin Badge issued for completion of 25 years service. This was not the outcome we had hoped for, but HQ was determined that this was the end of the matter. Staff had other ideas and over the years many letters in support of the campaign were published in Gatelodge. I am also aware that the POA was actively pursuing the idea at national level.

The years passed but I continued to ask anyone who would listen why no LSGC Medal? Sometimes I got a positive response however the support from politicians and other organisations soon withered.

When the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal was introduced I started to campaign again for operational grades of HMPS to be awarded this medal. Steve Johnson of HMP Hull and I met each other and we joined our skills and knowledge, working with Brian Caton the then General Secretary of the POA. We met prison ministers and the sport minister and contacted literally

thousands of people in similar positions to help the cause. The Prime Minister of the day agreed to meet with Steve and me to discuss the issue. This did not come to fruition but imagine the fuss this caused at our relevant establishments when we were called and asked to contact the Prime Minister’s Offi ce and Buckingham Palace. I did say we contacted everyone!

The Queen’s GoldenJubilee MedalAfter years of annoying the powers that be we won the day, we persuaded Government but this was due to the support we received from colleagues, MPs and our own Director General at the time, Phil Wheatley. As a result 25,000 operational Prison Service Staff received the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal.

Prison offi cers are valued and held in high regardSteve Johnson and I then decided to use the same process to facilitate the issue of a Prison Service LSGC Medal. As a result of our experience and the contacts we had, people took notice. It wasn’t long before Phil Wheatley was supporting the idea. Alan Johnson MP, soon to become Home Secretary, supported our campaign and we emailed most of the members of the House of Commons seeking their support. It was announced on17th July 2008 that a Prison Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was to be introduced. The medal will be awarded to operational prison staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on completion of 20 years of continuous commendable service. This brings operational prison staff in line with other comparable organizations such as the police, fi re service, ambulance service and the military, as well as other prison and correctional services within the Commonwealth.

Prisons Minister David Hanson MP said: “Operational prison offi cers do a diffi cult and dangerous job and are a credit to the society that they serve. It is right that they receive public recognition for this vital work.

“As the majority of prison staff conduct their work behind closed doors what they do often goes unseen, so opportunities for them to be publicly rewarded are to be welcomed. Staff receiving the medal will have shown commitment, courage and skill in the tasks that they have carried out day to day for 20 years.

“With the awarding of this Long Service and Good Conduct Medal I hope that prison offi cers will see that they are valued and held in high regard by the community.”

Perseverance paid offAt long last our goal is reached although it took a further two years of meetings, designs and production before HM the Queen signed off the fi nal design in September 2010.

It is anticipated that the fi rst production run of the medal will be completed before the end of 2010. I hope that when staff receive their medal they understand the complexity and challenges we had to overcome to get to this day and they wear them with pride.

Steve Johnson and I would also liketo say a big thank you to Jim Frazer, Head of Performance Recognition atHQ for his help along the way.

Sincerely,Stephen EdwardsOffi cer HMP Stafford.

LONG SERVICE ANDGOOD CONDUCT MEDAL

On behalf of the POA, I would like to thank Stephen Edwards from HMP Staff ord and Steve Johnson from HMP Hull for their commitment to the cause and do hope that as members are awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal they wear them with pride in the knowledge of the work and dedication that has been given by all involved. It has been a long time in coming but I think we all know that it was worth the wait.

Steve BostockNational Vice Chairman, POA.

NEWS


News.indd 20 3/12/10 11:20:19

POA members joined trade unions from all over Europe to protest against the European

Governments’ austerity cuts. Led by Deputy General Secretary,Mark Freeman, our party included Dean Acaster, Jackie Marshall,Glenn Patton and me. Setting off on the Eurostar from St Pancras, we arrived

at Brussels Midi to join the British contingent in Esplanade de l’Europe. Before we set off along Boulevard Jamar, a number of televised speeches had been broadcast, including one by John Monks, the General Secretary of the European Trades Union Council.

Around 100,000 people attended from trade unions all over Europe including France,

Britain, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Cyprus, Romania (the Police Offi cers Union!), Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Austria, Finland and Denmark.

Press interestThere was considerable press interest in the rally from a number of European broadcasting networks. Curiously, most banners on display were from British Trade Unions, in fact our own POA banner caused some interest.

We walked through the European Quarter of Brussels and the parliament building, fi nishing up in the park in the Schuman district, it felt longer than a couple of miles but the only casualty we came across was a poor chap from the NASWT (who looked as if he hadn’t done much banner carrying) his banner had fallen apart and hit his head - blood poured from the wound!

Threats to jobs, public services and pensionsA music event was followed by a number of speeches. Bob Crow of the RMT reminded the rally about who is responsible for the mess that working people are paying for. He said: “Workers across Europe face the same threats to jobs, public services and pensions, and that threat originates from exactly the same source - the centralised banks and the political elite who do their bidding.”

The rally came to an offi cial end at 4pm but as we returned to the station, the route still had contingents of trade unions making their way to the fi nishing point.

The day had been a fantastic display of unity from the European trade union movement.

Stewart McLaughlin,Branch Secretary of Wandsworth POA.

RALLY IN BRUSSELS Stewart McLaughlin, Branch Secretary of Wandsworth POA reports on theEuropean Trade Unions’ protest and rally which took place in Brussels last September.

M.ark Freeman, DGS and Brian Traynor, NEClead the POA delegation in Brussels

NEWS


News.indd 21 3/12/10 11:21:17

It was a cold day in November of 1974 when SO Bob Mullally “Knuckles” joined the Prison Service, and the

way things are with the weather as it was summer, it looked as though it was going to be a cold, wet day in August 2010 when he retired. After nearly 36 years in the job, he’s fi nally decided to hang up his keys for one last time and enjoy a well-earned retirement with his wife Pauline.

Bob is defi nitely what you would call a character, which is unfortunately a dying breed amongst our ranks these days. After leaving the Army Intelligence Corps, he started his two week period as a POUT at HMP Exeter, where he soon established the shape of things to come. The Governor at the time was an ex-army man who had sustained severe facial burns during his service, as a result of bad information from (you can guess) the Intelligence Corps. Bob was so intimidated by this tyrannical fi gure, that when questioned by him as to what his previous

profession had been, Bob claimed to have been a window cleaner.

Not that South West!From Exeter, Bob spent his college time at Leyhill, before being posted to HMP Brixton. This was as a result of Bob requesting a posting anywhere in the South West and which resulted in him being told: “You’ve got South West posting Mullally, SW2”. After three happy years at Brixton where he obtained the nickname “Knuckles”, for reasons which I will leave to your imagination, he arrived here at Channings Wood in 1978. Remaining here for the rest of his service, Bob obtained his promotion to Senior Offi cer in 1985.

How not to do it!There are all manner of humorous stories surrounding Bob, such as when he spent a day in a padded cell as a result of asking Brixton’s obliging healthcare staff what the ‘PADS’ were, or when he accidently got a prisoner sectioned under the

mental health act. But my favourite story, which actually made the ‘and fi nally’ section of the News at Ten, was when Bob was showing a prisoner about the dangers of self-harm, and how it could easily go horribly wrong. In the process of the demonstration, Bob actually managed to slash his own wrist, and was hospitalised!

All the bestNominated for the Queen’s birthday honours list several times, but never rewarded, Bob is a perfect example of a time when the most important things in the Prison Service were camaraderie and a good sense of humour. I have had the pleasure of reading a small part of Bob’s memoirs from yesteryear, and have found them to be both excellently written and humorous. If he ever decides to publish them, I can highly recommend them.

So to Knuckles and to Pauline, we would like to wish you a long and happy retirement, and all the best for the future from your friends and colleagues at Channings Wood.

KNUCKLES

It was an absolute pleasure to attend the launch of the new legal services at Jurby Prison, on the Isle of Man

on Wednesday 22nd September 2010. This has been quite a slow process but we feel that a very comprehensive and valuable scheme has been put in place to benefi t every member there.

Accompanied by Julie Blackburn from the POA’s main lawyers, Thompsons, we arrived at the prison to meet our new partners from the Isle of Man, Gelling Johnson Farrant, who were represented by Liz Parkes (the Principal of the fi rm), Sue Towndrow (Legal Executive and Mediation Specialist) and Julie Barker (the Practice Manager). Brian Cain, Isle of Man Branch Chairman, and Mike Crutchley, Isle of Man Branch Secretary, were our hosts. A branch meeting was held. And afterwards a fi nger buff et was kindly provided by Gelling Johnson Farrant, it was much appreciated by us all.

We met to discuss POA legal services, both work and non-work related. Presentations were given by me, Julie Blackburn and Liz Parkes followed by a question and answer session.

Added benefi ts for membersAs well as the usual comprehensive work-related issues covered by Thompsons, we were able to announce that for the fi rst time on the island a good range of non-work related issues will be available to our members. Thanks to Gelling Johnson Farrant, we now off er a free consultation service coupled with a comprehensive package of discounts including conveyancing, matrimonial advice and a very worthwhile will writing service.

Legal issues on the Isle of Man often require specialist Manx qualifi cations and certifi cation. This new partnership between the POA, Thompsons and Gelling Johnson Farrant will certainly be advantageous to us all.

I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to make this happen, theBranch Committee, Glyn Travis (Assistant Secretary) and of course both law fi rms.

It was helpful to have the hospitality atJurby Prison, courtesy of the Governor, Alison Gomme, who not only accommodated the branch meeting but also gave us a tour of the prison in order that the lawyers could be familiar with the surroundings and to meet more members ‘on the job’. Thank you Governor!

We welcome Gelling Johnson Farrant to the POA family.

ISLE OF MAN, POA LEGAL SERVICES LAUNCHEDTom Robson, National Vice Chairman, reports on the launch of the new legal services at Jurby Prison on the Isle of Man.

Simmo and his friends and colleagues at Channings Wood wish S O Bob “Knuckles” Mullally a long and happy retirement.

National Vice Chairman, Tom Robson (centre)with Isle of Man legal staff .

NEWS


News.indd 22 2/12/10 12:09:24

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Metallic • Running Shoe Last • EN 20347 • Size 4-14

CODE HT015 SSP £110.00

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

£99.00UK

EXCLUSIVE

£68.00OUR

PRICE

£88.00OUR

PRICE

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

MISSION IILeather / Nylon Upper • Non-

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

£60.00FREESOCKS

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

£50.00FREESOCKS

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

ISSUE 12 Catalogue OUT NOW

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

£71.98OUR

PRICE

email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

£74.99OUR

PRICE

£54.99OUR

PRICE

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

.00EXCLUSIVE

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK •

.00EXCLUSIVE FREE BAG

VALUE £39.99

FREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAGFREE BAG

VALUE £19.99

£99.00£80.99

WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • WWW.NITON999.CO.UK • 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£99 £99 £99.00.00.00.00£80.99

PRISONS

PROFITare not for


p30.indd 23 1/12/10 12:03:58

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THE 2010 SCOTLAND CONFERENCEThe 2010 POA (Scotland) Conference returned to the Barceló Marine Hotel in Troon (the venue in 2008) on the 27th and 28th October.

With a total of 85 motions on the Conference Paper, this conference was one of the

busiest for a number of years. High in delegates minds were the potential consequences of the spending cuts and the attacks by ministers on the public and civil sectors, but many other issues were presented to conference for debate and to be put to the vote.

At the opening of the conference, delegates and guests were informed that this year’s event would also herald the end of another chapter in the history of both SPOA and POA Scotland. This was to be the last conference attended by Davy Melrose in his capacity of Scottish National Chairman, was he will step down from his offi ce on conclusion of National Conference May 2011 (see full report on page 25 of this issue). Davy made it clear that he didn’t reach the decision lightly and it was with some considerableheart-searching that he felt it was time to make way for “new blood.” More about that later.

Special guestsAs before, there were a several guest speakers, the Justice Secretary, Kenny McCaskill again

showed his support for prison offi cers and the work we do by taking time out from a busy Parliamentary schedule to address conference and as ever, this was deeply appreciated by delegates. It was perhaps a refl ection of the relationship that has developed between the POA in Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary that the Scottish Chairman managed to relieve the Minister of his Saltire lapel badge, having informed him that he was retiring and had been a great admirer of both the support shown and of his insignia.

Conference also heard from John Ewing, our new Chief Executive. He spoke of his fi rst impressions of the service and how he recognised the diffi cult work that was undertaken, the dedication of the staff and the demands placed on the service which will become more challenging as the impact of the budget cuts are felt. The full contents of both speeches will be available when the conference verbatim report has been completed.

New to conference this year was a political hustings hosted by Reevel Alderson, BBC Scotland’s Home Aff airs Correspondent. Following invitations to all four main political parties in Scotland all accepted the opportunity to discuss and off er their view on matters pertinent to Scottish prisons and the penal system as well as associated issues. It was unfortunate that the Scottish Liberal Democrat representative, Robert Brown MSP could not attend nor any substitute, however the three other parties were represented on the day including, Stewart Maxwell MSP and Member of the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee for

the SNP, Richard Baker MSP, Shadow Spokesman on justice for Scottish Labour and John Lamont MSP for the Scottish Conservatives. The hustings was lively and informative and gave delegates the opportunity to put questions to the panel which provided conference with frank answers on the issues raised.

Conference welcomed invited guests including the National Executive Committee, withColin Moses, National Chair and Steve Gillan, General Secretary taking the time to provide delegates with a perspective on the major issues facing the Union today. Conference also heard from our friend and colleague Tom Robson,Vice Chairman. All of which took the opportunity to recognise the eff orts of the retiringScottish Chairman, Davy Melrose.

It was again a pleasure for conference to welcome representatives from our solicitors Levy and McRae, Alasdair Gillies, Laura Salmond, Angela McCracken and Callum Anderson. They are not only a great support to our Union and members but unfailingly assist with sponsoring our eff orts to raise money for a charitable cause.

Our colleagues from the Irish POA,Tom Delaney and Karl Dalton, were in attendance and as ever mingled well with the delegates and spoke of their experiences dealing with the diffi culties of the Irish economy.

This year for the fi rst time, it was a pleasure to welcome Paul O’Neill, General Secretary of the Defence Police Federation. They share similarities with the POA as they are also considered to be civil servants and are party to the same outcomes from the Civil Service review on pensions - unfortunately they are not currently part of the negotiating forum through the CCSU and have been grateful to the POA which supports their aim to have a more signifi cant voice on these issues.

Other guests welcomed by conference included our Honorary Life Members and their partners, William Barnott and Steve Swan, from the SPS and Scottish Police Federation representatives, Jim Foy and Andrea MacDonald.

Spirit Aid, ournominated charityIn respect of the POA(S) nominated charity it was a pleasure to welcome Scottish actor, David Hayman who spoke to conference about Spirit Aid.

Founded in 2001 by David Hayman and friends, Spirit Aid is a volunteer organisation set up to support children and young people around the world by running humanitarian projects in places like Kosovo, Guinea Bissau, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Scotland. Spirit

MSPs Richard Baker,Stuart Maxwell and John Lamont

24 North of the Border.indd 24 2/12/10 12:11:26

NORTH OF THE BORDER


with the last two as his Vice Chair, and has enjoyed every minute of it. He went on to say that he owed Davy a personal debt of gratitude, and that he had the utmost respect and admiration for him, not only as his Chairman over those years, but also as a friend.

On behalf of the SNC, he presented Davy with the Link Medal, thanked him on behalf of the members in Scotland, and wished him all the very best for the future.

Editor’s note:On behalf of the readers of Gatelodge and membership of the POA I would like to wish (The king of Scotland) Davy all the best for the future whatever he decides to do. I am sure he will always be around for advice and of course a wee dram.

with the last two as his Vice Chair, and has enjoyed every minute of it. He went on to with the last two as his Vice Chair, and has enjoyed every minute of it. He went on to

SCOTTISH CHAIRMAN TO STEP DOWN At this year’s Scottish conference in Troon, Davy Melrose announced that he would be standing down from the post of Chairman, Scotland at the end of his term of offi ce inMay 2011. He has held the post since 1997.

In addressing Conference he stated that he had loved his time within the Union, from a local branch rep

as far back as 1986, all the way through to becoming National Chairman in Scotland under the SPOA, as well as his time in the Chair following the merger.

He spoke about the many major events for the Union in his time as Chair, and with fondness of those colleagues and friends he met throughout those years. He went on to say that although he was still as committed and enthusiastic as he has ever been, he believed that the time was right for him to step down, and for ‘the new blood’ within the Union to come to the fore.

In typical Davy fashion, he fi nished by stating that he would still be around for another six months or so, and fully intended to make an impression before he goes!

Link MedalOn behalf of his colleagues on the SNC, the Vice Chair in Scotland Phil Fairlie presented Davy with a specially commissioned Link Medal, only the third one to be made.

In doing so he went on to say it was with some sadness that he presented the medal to

Davy, because it signifi ed the end of an era, and the loss of a lot of year’s knowledge and experience from the Union.

Phil spoke at some length about Davy’s enormous contribution to the Union over many years. Going back to the time when the Union in Scotland was embroiled in ‘internal open warfare’, through the period of the fi rst ever strike action in 2001, the merger, and the introduction of a Partnership agreement with the SPS, that he described as being the envy of unions throughout the UK and Europe.

Strong leadershipHe spoke about the diffi culties in navigating the Union through some of those periods, and the broad shoulders and strong leadership that Davy demonstrated time and again on behalf of the members. Phil went on to mention that Davy had been awarded the MBE earlier this year in recognition of his contribution over the years, and pointed out that sometimes we don’t properly recognise or acknowledge the contributions of our own people, and often that recognition comes from elsewhere.

Phil fi nished off by saying that he personally has worked with Davy for the last 12 years,

On behalf of his colleagues on the SNC, the Vice Chair in Scotland Phil Fairlie (left) presented Davy Melrose with a speciallycommissioned Link Medal, only the third one to be made

Aid identifi es needs on the ground and targets resources within the local communities to make a real diff erence in health and living conditions. Spirit Aid commits 100% of all donations to humanitarian aid, relying solely on the goodwill and donations of its supporters. Spirit Aid has run successful projects making a diff erence to the lives of children from Afghanistan to Drumchapel, Kosovo to Sighthill, Guinea Bissau to Partick. In March 2003, an Early Day Motion tabled in Westminster, congratulated Spirit Aid on its humanitarian work in the Hindu Kush Mountains of North-East Afghanistan. The charity recently won the 2010 Scottish charity of the year award.

For more information on Spirit Aid visit: www.spiritaid.org

David’s talk was informed, passionate and bluntly to the point as you’d expect from the founder of a charity dedicated to helping the children of our world. There can be little more thought provoking than to consider that “every

two seconds, a child dies from hunger. That every 17 seconds, a child dies from lack of water. That every 30 seconds, a child dies from Malaria.” His points weren’t missed, on conclusion of conference over £3000 had been raised to pass onto David to help continue Spirit Aid’s fantastic work in Scotland and throughout the globe.

At conclusion of conference Phil Fairlie,Vice Chairman of the Scottish National Committee took the opportunity to off er a well-earned and glowing tribute to Davy Melrose for his signifi cant contribution to the aims and objectives of both the SPOA and POA Scotland, before presenting him with a specially minted gold Link Medal on behalf of his colleagues and staff in Alba House. Both Phil’s tribute and Davy’s response was warmly appreciated by the conference delegates and guests.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a successful and rewarding conference.

For and on behalf of the SNC.SNC Vice Chair, Scotland Phil Fairlie


NORTH OF THE BORDER


Of those leaving, the SNC would like to give best wishes to John Speed on his return to HMP

Edinburgh, Gordon Pike in his new role as Trade Union Side Secretary, Jim Dawson on his work place move South of the Border and once again, Derek Turner on his retirement. Thank you all for your invaluable contribution to the Scottish side of the POA.

To the new, the SNC welcomes Andy Hogg as our new full time offi cial, Tony Quinn and Willie Carle as the two novices to the national arena. Good luck all.

We want to hear from you!In Scotland we don’t use Gatelodge magazine nearly enough. This edition has as much information as there has been for a while, but information in this instance is only ink on paper if it doesn’t interest you. So tell us if this is the case, it’s also good to hear if it interests you too. The recent Scottish

Conference has helped us in this issue as has the welcomed contributions from branches. Let’s make more use of Gatelodge to communicate and share. There will be much to say and do in the near future.

There is little doubt that we don’t have to look very far to see the major issues that are coming our way and with that the complex and very real challenges to our current working conditions, our standards of living and our planning for our future. It is therefore vitally important that you all pay attention to what is currently happening in Government and believe that you can make a diff erence. In Scotland the SNC and nationally the NEC will support you all in your determination that this blatant unfairness is challenged and overcome.

Shout louder!However, the SNC and the NEC are but a few individuals, albeit representing many more. We will shout and we’ll be heard but imagine the diff erence if you were to shout too and encouraged your

MESSAGE FROM THE SNCSince May this year, there have been a few changes to the Scottish National Committee which became even more obvious at the recent Scottish Conference.

colleague to shout and you then got you work place to shout and your jail started to shout! That is where our infl uence will be heard. Don’t rely on others to help you, help yourself and help them in doing so. No-one should be hiding here, stand up, be seen, be heard.

All the best when 2011 arrives to you and yours.

Finally we are rapidly approaching the Christmas and New Year holidays, a time for joy and happiness in the middle of our dark dreary winter and one which should be spent with friends and family. Take some time to enjoy yourselves over this period you’ve earned it.

The SNC wishes you all a merry and joyous Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.

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24 JWJ Media/Barat.indd 1 4/10/10 09:45:2224 North of the Border.indd 26 2/12/10 12:13:47

NORTH OF THE BORDER


The Government in Westminster has decided on the budget for Scotland, and the Scottish

Government, and as I write this, is about to announce what that looks like and what it means to the public services including the prisons here in Scotland.

There have been many column inches fi lled in the press throughout this year setting out the predictions of what we can expect, telling us to brace ourselves because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Yes, but for who?

Co-ordinated responseThe trade union movement throughout the UK has been meeting, planning and organising all the way through the same timescales in an eff ort to try and establish a co-ordinated response to the anticipated Government proposals. The collective belief being, that we need to operate together and unite as a movement if we are to have any hope of impacting on the pain that is about to be served up.

In theory, that approach seems the obvious one to take, and as trade unions we should have no diffi culty in co-operating with one another in pursuit of a common goal. In theory.

What if we can’t though? What about when the unions are individually informed of what the cuts mean in real terms to their own membership? When the consequences are laid out in front of them and their members are demanding a response on their behalf ? What about when the unions are made aware of what slice of the budget other public sector bodies got in comparison to them?

After all, for all the collective organisation, and planning there has also been (and will continue to be) individual lobbying by unions to make a ‘special case’ for their industry, and for their staff . That’s what we are here for after all.

Time to go it alone?What about when the information leaks out about deals done to secure jobs in a particular service because ‘they are a priority’ or where it becomes known that a particular sector is not under any threat from redundancies due to their ‘strategic importance to society’? What

advice would we give to our members when it happens, and they are demanding we get in there and have their voice heard over and above all others?

Is this the time then to break ranks and go it alone, every man, woman and child for himself ? Our priorities are, and always will be the members of the POA over any loyalty to other unions in the trade union movement, so surely now would be the time to break ranks. Now would be the time to argue from the rooftops that what we do is diff erent to other public servants. Our jobs are more dangerous, the outcomes matter more to society, our dedication and professionalism is what has us standing above the crowd for special treatment.

Before anyone gets carried away and starts buying into that train of thought, the answer is no.... absolutely not! As a strategy, who is to gain most from this approach, if someone were to leak that kind of divisive information to the public who would be most likely to benefi t from the fall out amongst the unions? The Government.

It is a strategy that we are all likely to see being played out before our eyes in the coming months and years by this Coalition Government, aided and abetted by their agency employers to have the union movement at one another’s throats. To divide us from the common cause, and shared platforms that have been developed over many years. Turning instead on each other, like a pack of wolves baying for the scraps from one another’s table.

That itself would be bad enough. For it to happen in the guise of being the bitter pill required to get the country through the current fi nancial crisis, but in actual fact it will be for no more than a long outstanding piece of Tory dogma, designed to destabilise and dismantle the public sector. To break down and destroy a social structure that fl ies in the face of all that they believe in.

This to be achieved, if we let them, with the full support of the biggest pack of political prostitutes this country has ever seen, in theLib Dem’s whose only principle is to them and can be bought for any price, as long as they get to sit at the big table.

We MUST stand togetherThis is not the time to start focusing in on ourselves as a union - this is in fact the very time we as a union movement need to stand together on a single platform. We need to have the courage and the faith in the strategies that were developed when the climate was calmer, and see them through together as a united body with a common cause.

We need the General council within the TUC and STUC to now play the hand as they envisaged it, united and determined, to take the Union’s message loud and clear to both the Government and the to the public, and to make sure we are heard as one voice, all pulling in the same direction.

To do anything else is to simply play into the hands of the Government plotters and wreckers, whose sole task in the coming months will be to play one union membership off against another, and whose goal is to break the strength we undoubtedly have while we remain united.

From the National offi cials, to local reps, to the memberships on the shop fl oors, we all have a responsibility to make sure they don’t succeed. We all have a responsibility to remember why we joined our unions in the fi rst place, and what it is that makes us a union.

Those of you familiar with the current adverts for the Blood Transfusion Service will recognise the phrase. ‘It’s not someone else I’m talking to... it’s you.”

Phil Fairlie,Vice Chair SNC.

UNITY IS STRENGTH? LET’S FIND OUT Pay freeze, cutbacks, job losses, pensions attacked, banking crisis, and global recession. All terms we have been hearing for months now, and unfortunately, all terms that in some way or another, are about to impact on us or our service very shortly.


NORTH OF THE BORDER


We have now provided and organised in excess of 400 pieces

of learning activity over a wide variety of topics and levels. These opportunities have ranged from Open University Openings courses to bicycle maintenance.

One of the most diffi cult aspects of launching this initiative was getting our colleagues to understand that all aspects of learning are worthwhile, and more importantly, it can be fun. There were too many people who were only prepared to recognise accredited learning and as such, thought that for it to be worthwhile the topic had to be work-related. Whilst it is

UNION LEARNING IN SCOTLANDWe are now in the last six months of the current Union Learning project in Scotland. The level of activity we are experiencing across the majority of jails in Scotland is now at a very encouraging level, and it is the hard work of the POA Union Learning Reps that have made this activity possible.

essential to encourage everyone to improve their knowledge and skills, fun learning is also essential and very worthwhile

It is this myth about learning that was a hurdle we had to overcome. To achieve this and like the majority of our sister unions involved with Union Learning in Scotland, Spanish has proved to be a very popular hook to get people involved. It has now been used very successfully as the starting point for organised activity at many of the establishments where we have ULRs.

The fact remains that ALL LEARNING is valid and no matter how trivial the topic appears, or whether it is informal of accredited at degree level, is all worthwhile.

Classroom learningIn terms of classroom-based learning we have now also provided Italian, Basic IT, Dyslexia Awareness and British Sign Language. As this classroom-based method is not always the best option, especially for those of us working shifts, distance learning has proved to be very popular. This includes both e-learning and formal certifi cated courses. For example, we have provided well over 100 Ethos blended learning

courses including Customer Care and Professional Development across the country, and organised 78 enrolments onto Open University Opening Courses. All of these opportunities have been completed on a collective basis.

I feel it is important to note that all of this learning has been provided free of charge to those choosing to take up the opportunities off ered, a fact that I believe we should be proud of. The money for these courses has been provided by either Scottish Union Learning Fund or the European Social Fund.

Future fundingAt the time of writing this, Scottish Union Learning is still waiting for news of future funding which will take Union Learning on past March 2011 and hopefully for another three years at least. The POA in Scotland will be given the opportunity to submit a bid for our slice of any available funding. If successful we will be able to build on the great foundation already laid by the dedicated ULRs.

For any future learning opportunities being off ered at your place of work then please contact your local ULR, or if you are interested in becoming a ULR then please contact your local branch committee or email me at [email protected]

Alan Golightly, POA(S) Learning Co-ordinator.

Dear Colleagues,Through the pages of Gatelodge, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the membership for the great honour ofHonorary Life Membership bestowed upon me at this year’s annual conference. I apologise for the length of time it has taken to write this letter it has been diffi cult to fi nd the words adequate enough to describe how I felt. I can only say that I felt humbled by the award. To me, it was the ultimate honour after 21 years as a full time offi cer.

I have had the privilege to serve with dedicated people on the Executive Committee of the SPOA and the SNC of the POAS and the NEC I would like to extend my thanks to all for their help and assistance over the years.

I would like to thank Jim Dawson whose help and assistance has been invaluable, particularly through some of the more diffi cult times and without going into detail, Jim will know the times I mean.

My thanks go to Davy Melrose who has not only been a colleague but a good friend over the years and we have been in some scrapes together during that time!

And fi nally my, undying thanks go to Kathryn and Lorraine whose support and help made my job over the years so much more enjoyable with both their professionalism and sense of humour.

With the change in Government and the current fi nancial crisis the Association has diffi cult time ahead, however, with the current leadership both in Scotland and Nationally, I’m sure that the unity of the union will prevail. Unity is Strength, is not just part

of a logo, it is a statement of belief and the way in which we will succeed in the face of adversity.

Yours in solidarity,

Derek TurnerEx General Secretary, Scotland.

THANK YOU


Most of the provisions of the Act came into force on the 1st October 2010.

The Act has been described as the most signifi cant piece of equality legislation for many years. It was enacted to simplify, streamline and strengthen the law governing discrimination which has been in force for 40 years, and to deliver a simple, modern and accessible framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.

The Act draws consolidates all the previous anti-discrimination laws and renames the diff erent strands of discrimination as “Protected Characteristics” which include the following:

Sex, Race, Age, Disability, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity.

Under the Act, employers will still be obliged to regulate the strands of protected categories in the same way as they would have prior to the Act, but the hurdle for the employee to overcome in proving discrimination has been lowered. The defi nition of discrimination has broadened, so that where a defi nition applies to one characteristic, e.g. sex, it is now extended to other characteristics.

This article focuses on three major changes imposed by the Act. The Act comprises 251 pages and this article is by no means intended to be exhaustive.

Direct DiscriminationDirect discrimination occurs when an individual is treated less favourably than someone else was or would be treated because of one of the protected characteristics.

The Act has unpicked this defi nition so that an employee will now also be able to assert direct discrimination through ‘Associative Discrimination’ and ‘Perceptive Discrimination’.

EQUALITY ACT 2010– MAJOR CHANGES IN DISCRIMINATION LAW

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48 Levy.indd 1 24/9/10 16:15:29

The Equality Act 2010 (“the Act”) provides a new legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality and opportunity for all.

Associative discrimination occurs when a person has a connection to another who demonstrates a protected characteristic and feels that they are being treated less favourably due to that association. It was possible to assert a claim in respect of this type of discrimination previously under the protected characteristics of race and disability.

The Act now ensures associative discrimination applies to all protected characteristics.

Direct discrimination will now also be unlawful if it is based on a mistaken perception that the victim possesses a particular protected characteristic.

LEVY & MCRAE


continued on next page >

29-30 Levy McRae.indd 29 3/12/10 11:45:08

LEVY & MCRAE

HarassmentHarassment is defi ned as unwanted conduct which violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or off ensive environment. The Act broadens this defi nition by allowing a bystander to claim under this part of the Act. So, as a hypothetical example, if a female employee is at the coff ee machine and over hears two male employees having banter about attractive female celebrities, that person could be humiliated by the conversation and claim harassment.

The Act places a further obligation on employers to protect their employees from acts of harassment perpetrated against employees by a third party . Third parties in this respect include clients, service users, volunteers, customers, contractors, agency workers, performers and others.

An employer will be liable for such harassment if someone (i.e. a manager) knew that the employee has been subject to harassment on at least two previous occasions and had failed to take reasonable practicable steps to prevent the type of behaviour that caused off ence to the employee in question. This will be the case regardless of whether the third party

harassing the employee is the same person or a diff erent person from the person who harassed the employee on the previous occasions.

DISABILITYThe Act has taken the landmark decision to change the defi nition of disability. Many authors are of the opinion that the Act will make it easier for a person to prove that they are disabled and therefore it will be harder for an employer to dismiss somebody who is absent for disability reasons.

The defi nition of disability has been broadened. It used to be the case that person was disabled if they had a physical or mental impairment which had a substantial and long term adverse eff ect on his ability to carry out normal day to day activities. These day to day activities were comprised in a list of capacities and included mobility, manual dexterity and memory upon which disability had to impact in order to found a claim. This list of capacities has been abolished by the Act.

The case of Lewisham London Borough Council v Malcolm (Equality and Human Rights Commission intervening) [2008] UKHL 43 was the previous robust stance on disability - if a person was disabled and considered they had suff ered discrimination as a result of their disability, that person had to prove their disproportionate treatment against a comparator who was not disabled. Under the Act this comparator no longer exists, the disabled person only has to show that the reason for their disproportionate treatment “arises from disability”. So an Employee only has to prove from a set of factual circumstances that they have been discriminated against. With the hurdles of no comparator and the list of capacities removed a claim of disability discrimination appears likely to be easier to assert.

Should you require any assistance in respect of the changes please do not hesitate to contact Laura Salmond or Elizabeth Smith of our Employment Law Team who will be happy to assist.

This article is written as a general guide only. It is not intended to contain defi nitive legal advice which should be sought as appropriate in relation to any particular matter.

OFFICE HOURS:8.30AM - 5.30PM PHONE: 0141 307 2311 ADDRESS: 266 St Vincent Street,Glasgow G2 5RLFAX: 0141 307 6857 &0141 307 6858 www.lemac.co.uk

PARTNERS Peter Watson William Macreath Andrew Sleigh Angela McCracken David McKie Alastair Goodman Alasdair Gillies CONSULTANT Frank Davidson

LITIGATION DEPARTMENTSandra Biggart Laura Salmond Callum Anderson Ross Milvenan David Adams Ewen CampbellKaren MillarElizabeth SmithJames McMillanNicola YatesMark DunnCatherine McGowanIain Butler

COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENTGary BoothMaureen StevensonGreg SibbaldNadhia AhmadRhona McLean


< continued from previous page

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48 Levy.indd 1 24/9/10 16:15:29

29-30 Levy McRae.indd 30 3/12/10 11:46:58


POA LEARNING

The award recognises learning providers who work with unions to provide inclusive and innovative learning programmes and provide quality information, advice and guidance.

The POA Learning Centre, Bullingdon prison, Oxfordshire, was awarded for its Skills for Life courses. David Dillon, Regional Centre Manager, said: “This award gives recognition to the high quality provision delivered within the centre by all our staff . Learners have had an enjoyable and valuable learning experience. Employers can be confi dent about the high standard of learning their staff is receiving. The award gives credit to the professionalism and hard work that takes place here.”

BULLINGDON LEARNING CENTREQuality Awards for quality learning in London and the south eastAuthor Lola Jaye presented a number of Quality Awards to learning centres and learning providers, for their valuable and excellent work at the fi fth annual conference of theSouthern & Eastern Region TUC, in London.

FRANKLAND LERNING CENTRE

We currently have the following courses running at Frankland and Durham:• Italian • Yoga• Digital photography (beginners and advanced). All these courses are open to all NOMS staff , family and friends in the

local areas.

Courses planned for January are Italian, yoga, Spanish and ‘Heart Start’. If you would like to apply for a place on any of these courses or would like to discuss any other learning opportunities then please contact Stewart on: 0191 3765210 or 0191 3323490

…and relax…

The winner of the TUC Unionlearn award was Bright Sparks POA Union

Learning Centre. Beth Farhat of TUC Union learns introduced the award,

enthusing that, “[Bright Sparks] ticks every equality box.”

This is an excellent achievement for Bright Sparks and they are deserving of

this award which refl ects all the hard work they have put in. Well done!

2010 NORTH EAST EQUALITY AWARDSImage: (L-R) Don Head, Centre Manager, Hannah Pugh, Learner Support and Beth Farhat, TUC. (Also in attendance were Stewart Herkes, North East Centre Manager, Karen McKie, Brightsparks and Emma Bowditch, POA).

Bright Sparks at HMP AcklingtonExceptional efforts to stamp out discrimination and promote fairness at work have been highlighted at the2010 North East Equality Awards.

The winners of the annual awards, which this year attracted a record number of entries, were applauded at a black tie dinner and ceremony at the Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel.

Now in their seventh year, the awards organised by Equality North East and supported by The Journal’s E&D campaign to reward those in both the private and public sector, have become a signifi cant fi xture on the North East business calendar.

Hundreds attended the awards evening to cheer on the winners and hear the inspiring address from keynote speaker Chi Onwurah, the Newcastle Central MP and member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee.

Author, Lola Jaye

31-32 Union Learning.indd 31 3/12/10 11:49:37


The POA approached the Governor early in 2010, with plans for implementing a learning agreement, specifi cally around the creation of a learning centre for staff . Both the POA and management were equally committed to working together, and management was more than happy to move forward with the POA’s plans to set up the learning centre. A learning agreement was signed in April 2010, between POA Learning and the Governor of HMP Dartmoor.

The learning agreement stipulated the agreed responsibilities of both the POA and management towards making the learning centre a success. The professional partnership between the POA and management is instrumental in guaranteeing the best possible learning opportunities for staff at Dartmoor. Most recently, the partnership between management and the POA has led to the development of a policy based on the Right to Request Time to Train legislation.

Learning Centre fundingThe learning centre is funded by unionlearn‘Skills for the Future Fund’ (SftF), POA Learning and HMP Dartmoor

The SftF fund, which was set up in August 2009, provides support to unions and their partner organisations in the South West, to increase participation in learning and to implement long term strategies in the area, to increase participation in learning and to implement long term strategies in response to skills needs, including the very specifi c learning needs of individual workplaces.

The fund is managed by unionlearn in the South West and provided by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), The European Social Fund (ESF) and the Skills Funding Agency, and the Union Learning Fund

(ULF), which is funded by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Additional support comes from JobCentre Plus and TUC’s unionlearn.

Learning Centre facilitiesPOA Learning provided 10 PCs, scanners and printers for the learning centre and the Governor provided the facility, stationary, telephone and broadband access, while both PCS and Prospect contributed union learning reps (ULRs) to the learning centre. Between April and October of 2010, 131 learners signed up to courses.

The learning opportunities available at thecentre include:• Online language courses

(French, German and Spanish)• Basic IT up-skilling to a nationally

recognised qualifi cation• The European Computer Driving License

(ECDL)• Computer Literacy & Information Technology

(CLAIT)• Skills for Life training• Health & Safety packages include: Work

Place Safety (IOSH), Work Station Safety (DSE) and Food Hygiene

• Free access to over 500 Open University study units

• General Management training.

Right to request time to trainWith the success of the centre and the continued commitment from management, Andy Harding, the Learning Centre Manager, wanted to further imbed learning for staff at Dartmoor, by negotiating policies and procedures relating to the new Right to Request Time to Train legislation. The legislation empowers all employees to make a statutory request for training that is aligned

to improving personal productivity and the eff ectiveness of the business.

Andy wanted to ensure that there was a clear policy and commitment toward staff development and training and that the legislation facilitating time to train was complied with. Policy and procedures have since been agreed with Santella Siani, Head of HR at Dartmoor, and although still in its infancy, it sets out the rights of staff to seek training and development with a built in appeal process, as well as underpinning the partnership approach that has fl ourished between the unions and management at Dartmoor.

Andy said: “The POA Don Wood Learning Centre at HMP Dartmoor has had marked success with the enthusiasm it has instilled in staff to learn since formally opening in July 2010.”

Andy advised Gatelodge that to date, 43% of staff have signed up to some form of learning opportunity. This learning has included basic and advanced IT, various languages (including a staff member who has recently begun learning Japanese), literacy and numeracy as well as Open University study.

Andy said: “The Centre has been a great success and it functions well with a positive partnership between POA Learning, Union Learn South West and the Governor of HMP Dartmoor who collectively ensure that the project evolves from strength to strength.

“There are tangible benefi ts to the employer by facilitating training for staff , such as, higher retention, increased morale, reduced sick leave...and the list goes on. This success can now be built upon and further developed by a fully supported RTRT policy - it’s a win-win situation!’’

Further information about the right to request time to train can be found at: www.unionlearn.org.uk/righttorequesttraining

HMP DARTMOORThe Don Wood Learning CentreHMP Dartmoor, built in 1809 and situated in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, is providing opportunities for all prison staff, their families and the wider community, to access learning in a wide range of subjects.

At Highdown Union Learning Centre we are constantly asked for the magic free courses. There are many people who believe education should be free, and why not?

Earlier this year we were pointed in the direction of www.alison.com . This Internet learning site is a massive source for all types of learning from computer skills, to maths, health and safety, business skills and much more. It is completely free which is music to our ears and the course content is of a high

quality. You can print a certifi cate at the end of your course which is the only part you pay for, but even that can be avoided if you recommend three friends.

Highdown ULC has several learners who use Alison regularly and sing its praises. Used on its own or in conjunction with other learning sites it is proving a highly useful tool. Did I mention it’s free too?!For further information please contact Hugh Williams, Highdown ULC/Alison UK Manager: Tel: 020 866 12491 Email [email protected]

HIGHDOWNInternet learning

POA LEARNING

31-32 Union Learning.indd 32 6/12/10 14:48:14

Tom RobsonChairman0113 242 8833

Duncan Keys Secretary0113 242 8833

Phil Thomas SNC0131 443 8105

Steve Lewis Research Offi cer0113 242 8833

Private Sector Committee

STRICTLY PRIVATE

When working men and women are being made to pay for the failings of fi nancial institutions it would be understandable if individuals assessed again where their hard earned money is spent. It seems, however, that a realisation in these times for workers to stick together prevails. In the longer term, a strong trades union movement, in which the POA plays an integral part, will defend its members and promote their wellbeing throughout these bad times.

Unity is strength. Be part of that strength and join the POA today.

PRIVATE SECTORTRAINING WITH G4S

During these times of harsh fi nancial cutbacks, coupled with an ever rising cost of living, our membership within the private sector has held up well.

The POA has conducted its latest accredited Branch Offi cials Training at our North Regional

Offi ce, Linden House. By agreement, the course was attended by

four G4S branch offi cials and a representative of G4S Human Resources Facility, Nazma Yusuf, who was there as an observer for the day. Nazma was pleased with what she saw where our offi cials and representatives are given the tools to represent this Union and its members professionally.

A huge thank you must go to the course tutor and organiser Joe Simpson. Joe has a great interest in training and displays a professional and businesslike attitude towards getting the message across. The course lasted for three full days and was enjoyed by the participants.

That our colleagues are properly trained to represent POA members can only benefit the Trades Union, its members and indeed the company.

G4S ICE Committee membersRay Somers, Antony Jones, Michael Corrodus and Derek Walker are stalwarts of this Trades Union and perform diffi cult tasks on behalf of their membership.

The four left Linden House better equipped to deal with the many varied issues arising daily. We are ever grateful for their support.

At the end of the successful training course, each member was presented, by me on behalf of the POA, with a certifi cate. The proud recipients are pictured here.

Again my thanks go out to G4S for allowing the facility time and all at Linden House for making the session successful.

Tom Robson,National Vice Chairman & Secretary to the Private Sector Committee.

POA MEMBERSHIP

Our Recognition Agreement with G4S regarding the ICE(In Country Escorts) contracts goes from strength to strength in supporting and representing our membership there.


33 Strictly Private.indd 33 3/12/10 11:50:30

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 862871 x2871

George Bernard HMP Frankland 0191 332 3130

Terry Hobin HMP Liverpool 0151 530 4000 x4619

Carrie Sheppard HMP Manchester 0161 817 5600

Stephen Wood HMP Elmley 01795 882000

Jeff Clements HMP Grendon 01296 443000

Little attention appears to have been paid towards the effect of these proposals on

our Service and all who sail within her. The paper entitled ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS’ is full of statements of intent and awash with fi ne words. The Health Care Committee will keep a cautious eye on developments and will ask the right questions during the progression of the plans.

PCTs (Primary Care Trusts)At present, there are 151 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). They have had input into prison health with mixed results, but will be abolished from 2013. All NHS Trusts will become, or become part of, autonomous Foundation Trusts which will be regulated under the statutory national NHS Commissioning Board. The Commissioning Board will go live in April 2010.

Aims of Commissioning Board• To provide leadership for quality• Promoting patient and public choice• Developing GP commissioning consortia• Commissioning specialist services (wonder if

our Service is in this bracket) and• Allocating and accounting for NHS resources.

All fi ne words.

The main aimAs usual, the saving of money rears its head. Once the changes have been introduced over the period (20th October 2010 through to the end of 2014), the projection is to cut NHS management costs by 45%.

I hope that we can persuade the new teams that prison offi cers, both specialists in health care and landing offi cers, are a vital cog in prison health care’s wheels. That the multi-skills available to this Service are wasted would be, in these times of austerity in particular, a crime against the coalition.

We will continue to make our voice heard but look very warily on the proposals for the future. Do we really want to liberate the NHS?

Your views would be welcome via the editor Glyn Travis: [email protected] Helen Whittaker: [email protected].

Tom Robson,Secretary to the Nursing &Health Care Consultative Committee.

HEALTH CARE MATTERS


WILL LIBERATING THE NHS MEAN SHACKLING PRISON HEALTH?

The Government’s Health Care White Paper has been published, outlining plans for the future of the NHS.

34 Healthcare matters.indd 34 3/12/10 11:51:24

The report offers no new evidence or research and appears to be based entirely

on opinion, which at times is both confused and contradictory.

Lord Young’s terms of reference were:“To investigate and report back to thePrime Minister on the rise of the compensation culture over the last decade coupled with the current low standing that health and safety legislation now enjoys and to suggest solutions.”

Although Young refers to compensation culture as if it were a fact, he concedes that it is “perception rather than reality” and that it is this perception that leads employers to be overcautious when attempting to interpret health and safety in the workplace:

“We have all read countless media stories blaming health and safety regulations for all manner of restrictions on our everyday life…there is no end to the constant stream of misinformation in the media. Again and again ‘health and safety’ is blamed for a variety of decisions, few of which actually have any basis in health and safety legislation at all.”

Yet, even though Young identifi es the insurance industry as having encouraged the myth of the compensation culture and caused organisations to be overly risk-averse, they are the main benefi ciaries of his proposed reforms.

Instead of confi ning his recommendations to ones that would dispel the compensation culture myth (which would be welcome) he hits injury victims, by recommendations which will undermine health and safety and further load personal injury procedures in favour of insurance companies.

Young rails against the European Union for overburdening employers with health and safety red tape but the day-to-day reality of what health and safety regulations actually do,

means that his much trumpeted plans to tear them up have largely been thwarted.

Second rate health andsafety regimeHe does suggest simplifi ed risk assessments for “low risk” workplaces such as shops, classrooms and offi ces - a move which will condemn a signifi cant sector of the working population to a second rate health and safety regime - and whilst he has accepted that individuals cannot be liable for the consequences of a voluntary act unless negligence can be proved (he acknowledges that it is a media myth that they are) he suggests legislating to achieve ‘clarity’ on the issue.

A public information campaign aimed at debunking the myths about people’s rights to sue others makes sense, but legislating against a perception is impossible and pointless.

He also wants to amend the RIDDOR regulations by extending to seven days the period before an injury or accident needs to be reported. There will be a consultation on this next year. Accidents are already under-reported, especially in non-unionised workplaces, and this can only get worse with such fl exibility.

For reasons that appear to be ideological rather than anything to do with the terms of reference, Young seeks to meddle in the way personal injury cases are run by recommending that employers’ liability (EL) claims should be brought into the new personal injury claims process which started in April to speed up the settlement of road traff ic accident (RTA) claims worth less than £10,000.

Apart from the fact that it is too early to say that the new process is working eff ectively and should be extended, it would mean that people injured at work will have their compensation claim treated in the same way as if it were a simple rear end shunt.

Extra pressure on workersThe Ministry of Justice (MoJ) started a review of the personal injury claims process in 2007 and the idea of including workplace injury claims in the new RTA process was considered and rejected. Trade unions, consumer groups and claimant lawyers opposed lumping RTA and EL cases together because workplace accident claims are more complex than RTA cases and the relationship between employers and employees is very diff erent to that between two drivers.

An extension would give employers the opportunity to put pressure on workers and their colleagues, who may be witnesses, before their lawyers can record the evidence accurately.

Young also recommends introducing the recommendations made by Lord Justice Jackson in his review of civil costs. This will hit injury victims, undermine union legal services and limit the ability of charities to represent injury victims.

A consultation on Jackson is due soon. That will be an opportunity to question why – other than for ideological reasons – the Government appears to want to press ahead with reforms that will save no money and disenfranchise injured people.

THOMPSONSS O L I C I T O R S

DISPELLING THE COMPENSATION CULTURE MYTH

Lord Young published his report ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’ on15 October 2010Jenny Walsh of Thompson’s Solicitors reports.

means that his much trumpeted plans to tear

THOMPSONSS

THOMPSONS


35 Thompson.indd 35 2/12/10 12:53:54

BRANCH NEWS


BULLWOOD HALLWelcome to more jottings from HMP Bullwood Hall and aMerry Christmas and happy New Year to you all and your families.

Since our last jottings,Offi cer Mick Harry and SO Jean Clark have left us to join

HMP Bedford. Both Mick andJean were liked and respected here at Bullwood and will be missed. Good Luck. Congratulations to Offi cer Eden-Loades on birth of a baby boy. We welcome backJo Haslen from maternity leave, Offi cer Goodman has joined from Pentonville and Rob Higgs has joined the gym staff.

NewsWith Jo returning from maternity leave she is learning to use the radio again. Obviously she thought she would test the buttons on the radios to see what they did. She found that by pressing the orange button she could get lots of offi cers running up to C wing to fi nd a red-faced Jo!

Our cleaners at Bullwood, Rocky and Scrappy Do, weren’t sure who was supposed to be cleaning out the nappy bin in visits, so, in a Harry Hill style there was only

one way to sort it out.After completing an escort from one

foreign national prison to another, two staff from Bullwood received an apology from the other establishment’s Governor. The apology was after a Governor accused the pair of committing criminal off ences by taking their escort bag into the reception area. The lesson learnt here is never trust a man in a dickey bow!

Craven and Collins took part in a charity boxing match at the beginning of November. The lads joined Offi cers from Chelmsford to take on the Police for the Help for Heroes charity. Both looked forward to it for diff erent reasons. Collins used it as practice for his amateur career and Craven took part so he could legitimately hit a policeman!

Breaking newsBoth Craven and Collins drew their respective fi ghts but in our opinion both should have been given the win. The night was excellent and raised a lot of money for Help for Heroes. Congratulations to everyone that took part and well done

lads for putting your bodies on the line for charity. Craven got to hit a policeman and Collins now hasn’t lost EVERY fi ght.

More sporting challengesBullwood attended the fi rst annual Prison Service Cricket 6s tournament in Oxfordshire and come runners up. Everyone had a good day out but playing cricket isn’t easy and took its toll on some of the older players. A couple were seen hobbling around the day after and one couldn’t move after trying to nick a quick single in the second over of the day. I wouldn’t mention who it was as it wouldn’t be right to take the mick out of your no.1 Governor. Oops.

The proposed Bullwood bike ride has had to be cancelled at short notice after a lot of the proposed riders had their bikes go missing. It is hoped that these can be replaced, as some have receipts, and the event will be held next year.

Any news for the next jottings should be sent to ‘The Massive’The Massive.

PARKHURST Welcome from HMP Parkhurst. It has been a long time since we have contributed to Gatelodge magazine and many good staff have come and gone, far too many to mention by name but to those of you who have gone, goodbye and good luck and to those who have joined us, welcome.

We start these jottings with the good news that out of the farce they call

clustering, Mr Greenberry (ex number 1 Governor) has left this prison and the public sector and gone to the private sector prisons. Although this was not unexpected it still comes as a surprise that someone who continually stated he was committed to the public sector and always will be, leaves in the manner he did. (Hollow words from a hollow man) the mess he left behind has now got to be sorted. We now have a temporary Governor in charge so we wait with baited breath to see whom or what is parachuted in next.

Staff surveyThe staff survey, although completed by less than a quarter of staff at Parkhurst

(we don’t know exactly how many members completed it) is far more than we would have liked, but much better than some establishments that had returns of 100%. It makes us wonder why we agree to conference motions and then ignore them. This kind of attitude shows the prison service how united we really are as a Union! If people are naïve enough to think that the prison service cares whether you are being bullied, harassed or intimidated or if you think your job is safe you are mistaken.

Colin Moses at the public service union rallyIt was nice to see that the NEC including the Chair Colin Moses attending the recent public service union rally on the Island. This was the fi rst rally of this kind that had been held here, and although the turnout was smaller than expected it was a good afternoon with passionate speakers.

Budgetary cutsThe budgetary cuts continue, and as we know they will only get worse in the coming months. With this in mind one of our suggestions was to close the Isle of Wight Headquarters, a white elephant which costs the tax payer in excess of £48,000 per year. At least they have stopped the manager’s ‘Super Tuesday’ buff et at £12,000 per year.

Congratulations to all members involved in the security audit and subsequent HMCIP inspection. Your hard work and diligence was duly noted and appreciated by this Committee.

We are sorry that we can’t put funny little ditty’s in the jottings about staff. We already have enough investigations to deal with, without creating more. On a serious note staff should be aware not to use the Intranet for anything other than work related business.

Please send any jottings for the next issue to Marc and Glen ASAP.

36 Branch News.indd 36 2/12/10 12:57:17

BRANCH NEWS


FELTHAM

Another year has gone and what a year it has been here at Feltham, our thoughts

go out to all our fallen friends and colleagues and their families. Rest in Peace guys.

There have been many comings and goings throughout the year and we wish to say a delayed welcome to Paul Durham andSonia Brooks, nice to see you again Sonia and as you can see - nothing changes. As for Paul our Dep, the shoes were very small to fi ll, we just ask you to give us the time and treat the staff as human beings and not cannon fodder as your predecessor.

A big hello to all the new ops staff too many to mention, but still not enough. Enjoy the stay as the airport will open soon with better pay and conditions.

FarewellFarewells go out to all who have moved on to greener pastures. Don’t forget what it is like to work for a living! There isJohn “Shaky” Knill well done for 41yrs service, your parole board was successful this time round, Jamie, Karl, Louise, Mark, Simon, Dave “I love myself ” Barbs and yes, I have to include “Trentie”, God help Dorchester Prison.

Good luck guys.

RugbyThe young guns beat the oldies at the annual rugby match, man of the match would have been Davey Laws but the verbal comment from Graham “Shut the f*** up, I’m the referee” Barrett, to 29 wannabe ref ’s was just classic, and Graham it was a try… Always next year lads!

What’s the New Year got in store for us?Will NOMS go? No great loss there and about time too.

Will the YJB go? No great loss.£180 Million in cuts across the service, sorry

the Public Service, no doubt the 124 state owned prisons will be expected to pick up the burden, as the 11 private establishments will require complex renegotiation of contracts and we all know the mess they made of WFM.

It is inevitable that the service will

stagnate over the next fi ve years and the prospect of working a two-tier system is thought provoking.

Cuts mean basic safety, security and decency will be thrown out of the window, so let’s all watch each other’s backs and work safely.

It’s not looking good although I could go on, why start the New Year on a downer? It is going to be tough, with some tough decisions to be made as a Union and across the Service. We just hope the NEC is up for the challenge, as there are a lot of disillusioned members out there asking where are you?

Locally, we have had a diffi cult and troubled year, our sick is still crippling us, and we wish all those who are off to get well soon and we wish those on phased returns and restricted duties swift recovery as you’re needed and dearly missed on the units. Andy “look at my shiny yellow taxi”, we are sure you have to apply for a secondary job and you can’t charge the sick for lifts.

Dad, we told you, you wouldn’t go or was it their back door couldn’t be bashed, so look out Pam.

MSSU has realised nobody wants to work at Feltham and POELTS are failing the Juvenile section of the training syllabus so it does not look as if we will be getting replacements for our NIP’s mounting up to 25, 28 Restricted Duties and 18 LTS. I think I know what the Governor will be asking Santa for this Christmas.

Thanks go to the gym staff for their hard work in getting our members through the fi tness tests - it’s an endless task, but one that is appreciated even if it does take a PEI four attempts at the agility test as they got lost en route around the cones. To those who have yet to pass, keep going as we will all feel safer knowing you can run between two lines, even though you are not allowed to run to incidents.

The annual staff rotation bun fi ght would have taken place before this hits the press, so it will be interesting to see who goes where and when?

The DPSMs will have to be decided next year and it will be interesting to see who moves on and who goes on the surplus redundancy list….oops, did I mention surplus.

Sorry I meant posts waiting to be fi lled but not at your own establishments list. Bob, the H/S builders face was a classic, Graham, you’re a naughty boy.

No doubt there will be more re-profi ling going on, so there is still a job for Malcolm our resident terminator, you can’t keep cocking it up for too long, as the boss will catch on. I suppose this work could be passed onto the three nomad POs, we might get you into some profi led post before the almighty hits the fan with the ill-fi tting suits. No disrespect Dave “ouch my Back”, as I know yours is a Marks and Sparks, as for Sibbi……you should have gone to Spec Savers.

We want our new colleagues coming in as Level 2 offi cers to be given the appropriate level of attention they deserve from our NEC; they are members and require the representation. What the service is doing is unlawful, 37hrs does not go fi t into a 39hrs profi le and TOIL should not be an alternative solution.

Happy Christmas!Enough waffl ing as Christmas is just round the corner and we hope you all have a great festive season with Santa bringing you all the things you ask for. Gary F, I have heard Donaghue has written personally to him for your DDA chair, you might get it next year……….Only the budget will tell!

Pingu.

A warm and dry welcome from Feltham to all. Our new offi ce has been dried out and special thanks goes to Stenia and her team for cleaning the mess left behind from the Turkish steam room.

36 Branch News.indd 37 2/12/10 12:58:42

BRANCH NEWS


Of course our leaders would call the riots ‘disturbances’, but then do they really care? We only have to look at the ‘Corporate Update’ in November from thePermanent Secretary, Suma Chakrabarti to answer that question. In his ‘thanks to NOMS staff ’ published on the Intranet he did thank staff and of course his thanks are welcome I am sure, but he also expressed regret that two prisoners were injured. Now I do not know how the prisoners were injured or by whom but I do know that staff were injured in the ‘disturbances’ as well and yet not one word of regret for their injuries! Is this really expressing sincerity for staff and their professionalism in dealing with such riotous behaviour from those who we are charged to manage security, discipline and control over? We can only assume not. I hope that at little old Latchmere we do not have to face what staff had to at Moorlands and Warren Hill, but if we ever have to I am sure that like staff at those establishments, we would not shirk from our duty and will do whatever we can to bring the situation under control. We do not necessarily expect thanks for what we do as Prison Offi cers from our leaders, but we do expect that if management wants to thank us, it is not a back-handed compliment, but a sincere thanks and ‘regret’ given for those staff injured as well as prisoners.

New profi leColleagues, we are still discussing the proposed profi le with management and yes we know it is nearly a year old, but you cannot rush these things! This week though (I am writing this column in the second week in November) we had our most productive and agreeable meeting to date with management, but it may just be that we are wearing ‘em down. We hope that by the time this edition of Gatelodge is published we could have had a branch meeting to fi nally agree or not, a new profi le. We must warn you; that even though we have escaped any reduction in our target staffi ng fi gures with this profi le, we remain convinced that in the not too distant future we will be asked

to reduce our staffi ng. Let us hope that our prediction is wrong and we keep our full staffi ng for some years to come. Our Governor tells us he has no intention to reduce staffi ng, but we’ll see.

Waste continues unabatedWe await also the eff ect of the Comprehensive Spending Review and wonder what these cuts of about 40% across NOMs will mean for us. I have said in the past and I’ll say it again, the waste within NOMs and the Civil Service is immense, but it isn’t the fault of those at the bottom and the coal face, so don’t take it out on us. Look around you and you will see the waste. Ever increasing numbers of managers to do jobs that don’t exist, DPSMs running around doing projects along with managers without portfolio and supplies and sundries being sold to the service at infl ated prices that we could all buy considerably cheaper down ourHigh Street. A new system to replace LIDs at a cost of millions, that is no better than the system it replaced, in fact it is worse. The In-vision/My Detail detailing system that is frankly a pile of manure, that is not fi t for purpose or credible, yet millions upon millions was ploughed into it. I could go and on, but would anyone in authority listen? The Comprehensive Spending Review will cost our members jobs, yet the real waste will continue unabated, along with the rising cost of MP’s expenses. Oh well, maybe the news on our pensions will not be as bad as we fear.

CRT TVsBy the time these jottings are published I expect the In-Cell Electrics project will be complete and our prisoners will now be able to while away their days watching the old 14 inch CRT televisions supplied to them (where did the service manage to buy so many new, extinct televisions and what did they cost? I heard a whisper they cost about £70.00 each, but they would never have paid that much for ‘em would they?). It has been a long slog with all the disruption, but thanks must go to Brian and Terry for overseeing things and keeping

everything organised and ensuring that there was never too much noise to disturb our members sleep (only joking – our members don’t sleep on duty). I miss the old days of putting the batteries on charge, off charge and discussing with our prisoners the merits or otherwise of old knackered batteries being re-charged on chargers that don’t work, oh happy days…

Wrong Sunday!Nowadays, no jottings are complete without mention of the mighty Quo and these are no diff erent. First, congratulations Eddie on your recent nuptials and I trust you enjoyed the honeymoon. Did you get too relaxed and loved up though and lose the plot? Rushing to work on the Sunday after honeymoon, arriving at the gate, breathless, sweating and worried you were late for your payment plus duties (money is more important now you know). Admirable qualities, “can’t let me mates down, must get there, what would Les say if I was late? He wouldn’t allow a wedding and honeymoon as an excuse for missing me shift, would he? So here I am everyone, made it! Why is everyone looking at me and laughing? I’m here, on time, ready for me shift, I’ve even ironed me shirt and pressed me trousers (alright I made that up, it is a little far-fetched).” Wrong Sunday mate, it was next fl aming Sunday! Well done Ed, you always cheer us up. You never know Les might give you fi ve minutes toil for the eff ort.

In signing off , I want to wish all the best to our members currently off sick and hope they get well soon and that theNew Year will bring some sunshine through the rain.

Andy.

LATCHMERE HOUSE

I start by wishing our fellow members at Moorlands and Warren Hill well following the recent riots there and trust that staff members who were injured are now on the road to recovery.

36 Branch News.indd 38 2/12/10 12:59:44

BRANCH NEWS


Welcome to the jottings from us here at Brinsford, on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.

Firstly let me say that by the time you get to read these verses of wisdom, a couple of

months have likely to have past as Gatelodge is being published less frequently and those copies that do get through seem to vanish into thin air!

WeddingsWell, I am going to start with an apology for missing out Tim Dakin’s wedding announcement in the last issue. The guy is a legend in his own underpants and we all wish him well for the future. Also getting married were Andy and Lynne Lake and Jez and Amanda Ridgeway. I attended both receptions and I have to say they were both very good parties. How Lynne never popped out of her dress I don’t know but I am sure that wasn’t a problem on the night and rumours of the Ridgeway’s cake being made from treacle were well off the mark. Both brides looked lovely and both grooms looked OK! Good luck and God bless all who sail in them.

NominationsCongratulations also go to Lucy Norris who got Brinsford’s nomination for Prison Officer of the Year and also First Line Manager of the Year. A very good achievement, especially for a temporary SO. Maybe this will be a kick up the ass to the suits that should be properly promoting people instead of using and discarding them.

Level 3 I reported last time that we were now a Level 2 prison, however, out of nowhere came the security mark which actually bumped us back up to a Level 3 prison and we seem to be hanging there steadily, but by the skin of our teeth. We must strive to make improvements though if we are to avoid being benchmarked 1, market-tested and fall into the abyss of Ken Clarke’s privatisation cauldron. I also reported that yet again we were told that staff were doing stupid things and those at the top

of the tree wanted us lot at the bottom to stop being naughty (a well-deserved criticism in some instances). However, those same people may need to take a long hard look at themselves if they want to lead by example. Without going into too much detail, it’s not the brightest thing to advertise where a member of staff lives, especially when that information can end up in the clutches of the very clients we are looking after and caring for.

The in-betweenersThere has been a bit of confusion about where the in-betweeners fi t in. You know, the old POs. First they were POs then DPSMs then SOs, now at the time of writing, POs. You do the Hokey Cokey and you turn around etc, etc. At least it’s been handled with the typical prison service organisational skills, in other words no one has a bloody clue who should be doing what, let alone where and when, This strategy seems to have been the template for the recent new profi les and staff rotation policy although I am hopeful that any problems should be ironed out by the start of the new decade.

Tackle issues head onWhen I joined the job, back when Jesus was a twinkle in Gabriel’s eye and Rocky Sutton and Pam Ward were stepping out in their teens, staff tended to get along with each other. Sure, some people were awkward and some were down right arrogant but thankfully, a lot of that has disappeared from the rest rooms and landings, but what we seem to have in its place is a lot of unnecessary back-biting, rumour-spreading and gossip. It’s a shame that grown men and women cannot go to the person they feel has done something wrong, and have it out with them there and then, instead of feeling the need to go running to management and elaborating somewhat on the truth, just to score points. This kind of s**t has got offi cers into a lot of trouble. Governors now have certain staff marked out as trouble makers whilst other staff have seen their careers seriously threatened (if not terminated!) In the 10 days since I last wrote an article,

there have been TWENTY TWO papers put in by staff on other staff and I think the whole thing stinks.

AmbushTalking of stinking, we were witness to the largest ambush since the battle of Little Big Horn recently, when two of our committee members attended a meeting with thering-masters, only to fi nd there were thirteen of them. Not easy to put a point across when you get shot down in fl ames as soon as you open your mouth, by a gaggle of ‘eager to please puppets’, each one no doubt vying for a place in the pecking order, not that we have too many governors. I truly believe it takes around twenty if not more, to run a prison as huge as ours. You need one in charge, one to deputise, fi ve to make the tea, three to buy the biscuits and the rest to keep an eye on us. It’s a pity they don’t employ people to make life easier and create smooth change overs when it comes to re-profi ling and staff rotation.

Before I go, I wanna say a big thank you to the four members of the committee that are deserting a sinking ship, I mean, standing down after years of service. It’s not an easy job as they will tell you ( just ask Ray....they’ve proper bost him) but maybe it was time for a clean sweep - so we say good luck and welcome to any newcomers to the family. Maybe the offi cial POA bag will get an airing now though. When taking over in Ray’s absence, it was noted the only things in there were two empty bags of beef and onion crisps, a pasty wrapper, a melted lolly (Drumstick) and what can only be described as a bib!

Have a great ChristmasWell time for Surly Tonto to get back on his reindeer and deliver some toys. I hope you all have a great Christmas, with lots of pizza and ice cream, a fantastic New Year, one in which we don’t lose our jobs or have our pensions radically changed, and to the governors, I hope that like my turkey, you get well and truly stuff ed.

BRINSFORD

36 Branch News.indd 39 2/12/10 13:01:50


BRANCH NEWS

Re-profi ling is drawing to an end here but only time will tell how they will be applied

and how long before any budget cuts make them meaningless.

The devil will be in the detail and that has yet to be revealed as this goes to press but can we really expect to be left alone? I doubt it.

Public sector worker jobs are in the fi ring line to meet the spending cuts, along with benefi ts for the worse off . Hardly fair, is it? Whilst the banking industry is propped up by public money, the public sector is having its funding withdrawn and cut.

When it comes to prisons, we know our public sector prisons will have their budgets cut, how many private prisons are being asked to make the same cuts? I would have a guess and say that no profi t-making private prison is seeing a funding cut due to the cost of breaching a contract. A fully privatised prison service? I doubt if the country could aff ord it. It seems strange that individual criminals have laws to prevent them from making money from crime but private companies can do exactly that. It must be no comfort to the victims of crime to know that a shareholder is reaping a dividend from their suff ering.

There was the fi rst of a series of rallies on the 13th October, with a gathering outside Parliament then a meeting in Committee Room 14. This was in support of the Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill. There was a host of speakers, including John McDonnell MP, who has brought the Bill, John Hendy QC,(has represented the POA in the High Court on a number of issues), Frances O’Grady TUC Deputy General Secretary, Matt Wrack FBU, Mark Serwotka General Secretary PCS and Steve Gillan POA General Secretary. All spoke of the need of this Bill to go through Parliament and how trade unions had been under attack since 1979. Steve explained our own Union’s position since 1994.

The rally and lobby on the 19th brought me and the Branch Chair along but the Central Hall was full by the time we got to the steps with one very harassed steward pleading for people not to go in. It was an excellent turn out of the POA, noticeable with red T-shirts and those who chose not got go, when they could have, missed out.

Matters locally have seen some very careless behaviour from our members, asleep on duty, using mobile phones and unprofessional relationships with prisoners. The message is simple, our job is

not like any other and this sort of behaviour will merit investigation and possibly worse.

Minimum staffi ng levels are always a contested item and people should be aware that completing every task on an MSL may invite a reduction in staff to that MSL. Only do the work that is profi led with the correct staffi ng numbers, and do it with correct risk assessments.

During the course of Black History Month, a walk around London visiting Blue Plaque homes of famous BME people was organised. We spent the day seeing the homes of Gandhi(India), Mary Seacole (Crimean war Nurse), Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya) King Cetewayo (Zulu) and Jimi Hendrix,(legendary musician) to name a few. It was a mix of walking and use of public transport but the weather held fair.

It is hoped that the branch will have its own banner, after securing a donation from the Battersea and Wandsworth TUC and many thanks to them. It has been a project for some time with a number of false starts but it looks like going ahead now. Yours in unity,

Stewart McLaughlin,Branch Secretary.

WANDSWORTH

As the nativity season is almost upon us everyone is well versed with a story of there

being no room at the inn. A similar event happened to Offi cer Colin Morris on a recent golfi ng trip, when the hotel was double-booked. Poor Col had to drive 50 miles each day to attend (Col you could have always slept in reception on the couch with your invisible jacket on!) Bob Russell - that was mean not letting Colin share with you - he was only acting up to management for a weekend.

Much research has been done in to dementia and old age (to the relief of Offi cer Jim Ralphs). Jim is the most amicable bloke you will ever meet but the guy is so old that he actually witnessed the Red Sea part with his own eyes; it goes without saying his memory isn’t what it used to be…

ALL STATIONS, GENERAL ALARM A WING. Jim thought: “A Wing hmm… just come off there,” so off he trots back on to A Wing, complete with his jacket over his arm (ever the English gentleman). There is S0 Mark Brennan holding two warring off enders apart. Jim thinks (slow motion): “Oh poo,

jacket on jacket off ?” By the time he had fi nished getting dressed both off enders had been located in the seg unit at the other side of the prison and night staff had relieved days, but at least it made vintage CCTV viewing for the staff .

A time honoured slogan in this job is ‘if you want to know something ask a prisoner’. This statement rang true for Offi cer Gary Mac who misplaced his car keys. While waiting the best part of a month for the AA to attend, Gary frantically retraced his steps to no avail. Unfortunately the AA hadn’t the right tools on hand, so a brainwave was used to resolve the situation - ask an off ender, which yielded a £200 bill for new locks. Just in case you’re wondering where the keys where, they were in the wing key safe of course!

Sammo hasn’t left the prison to go to Hindley, probably a good job, they have enough problems to contend with but he thanks everyone who emailed him with their kind wishes.

Since our last jottings we have gone live (again) with InVision (A £60million system) and as expected, it was a fi asco. Staff detailed wings who had left the prison, even Elvis was down for lunch cover and everyone knows he lives on the moon these days. Lord Lucan picked up a set of keys and hasn’t been seen since. How much longer are we going to keep this ‘not fi t for purpose’ system? Apparently it costs £40,000 per year to keep a prisoner in prison, at least £20,000 a year must be

failed for IT and hangers on.Here is a somewhat cynical alternative

to our Prison Service statement of purpose which we have been asked to include:

“My vision is to be a high performing public sector Prison Offi cer delivering excellence in all aspects of my work . . . regardless of restrictions placed on the service by Government and by Ministry of Justice superiors who seem intent on eroding this important public service that I am proud to be a part of”

The Chair…The latest idea to hit punch-drunk public

sector workers is to sell off prisons as going concerns to the private sector. What a brilliant idea (so much for the crap about being high performing, low cost that is peddled out). You can envisage the day when private mangers are sitting in their elegant boardrooms rubbing their hands because they have just received a van full of lifers - or a licence to print money in plain English.

Many nasty things are on the horizon for us and the only way of defeating such horrors is to stick together, but unfortunately there is a culture of immediate gratifi cation within the Service, which will see us in grey slacks under the umbrella of an American multinational fi rm.All the best!

KENNET

36 Branch News.indd 40 3/12/10 11:52:36


BRANCH NEWS

MANCHESTER

It’s with sadness that I report on the untimely passing of one of our members, Ian O’keane.

Ian worked in reception and had been at Manchester for 12 years, a well respected and popular man who worked hard and always had a smile. Ian will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Ian’s family at this diffi cult time.

AssaultsA member of the POA committee was the victim of an assault and had to have a number of staples in a head wound. The repair took some time as the surgeon was fascinated by the vast space inside his head. He was fortunate to have solid support behind him and the glazing company carried out a repair on Chris Girling’s back. (Enjoy your moment of fame Chris) But seriously, this is an example of the serious implications of an isolated and unprovoked incident. This person then has to go home to their family and reassure them at the same time as dealing with the pain and mental trauma that comes with any assault. We hope our colleague makes a speedy recovery and wish him well.

We would like to pass on our regards to staff at Moorlands and Warren Hill following the well publicised disturbances. Hopefully everything has returned to normal. We understand that a member of staff received a serious injury and wish them well.

Keep Manchester a Public Sector PrisonWe are currently preparing for the coming renewal of our Service Level Agreement, reviewing procedures, whilst trying to address the ever changing political picture and requirements of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Governor has agreed to two full time committee members being attached to the bid team and having full involvement in our bid to keep Manchester a Public Sector Prison.

We watch with great interest and support our colleagues at Birmingham, Buckley Hall, Wellingborough and Hewell. Good luck with their ‘competition’ as they come to the latter stages of the process.

Committee movesWe thank Mick Redfearn for his eff orts whilst serving on the Branch Committee. Mick has resigned his position, but remains a committed POA member.

We have now co-opted an OSG,Gillian Kelly, onto the committee and welcome Gill, who we are sure will provide invaluable advice and experience in relation to matters concerning the OSG grade.

The interest shown by a number of OSGs when this was advertised justifi ed the committee’s decision in taking this forward.

ImprovementsIn relation to staff facilities, things continue to change and improve at Manchester. We have recently opened a staff restaurant (Crofters) that provides a pleasant setting with waiter service provided by prisoners on vocational training. Over the last 12 months a picnic area has been developed that staff made good use of during the summer months. This is adjacent to a memorial area which remembers staff that have passed away.

On a lighter note, we are currently in the market for a lift for our admin block. We purchased an absolute bargain and the time it is fully functional is a refl ection of the price paid.

It has the reliability equivalent to that of a red Micra (The Devil’s Herbie) approaching a roundabout with a university student at the

wheel. On the plus side, admin staff (and all who visit the admin building) have thighs like tree trunks and are fi t enough to run a London marathon. Our thanks go to the retired bargain hunter who shall remain nameless to avoid serious legal repercussions. (If there are any complaints we will lock you in the lift that you so thriftily purchased).

The Governor is supporting this yearsStaff Christmas charity event andchildren’s party. Hopefully it will again, provide some funds for a needy charity.

Our congratulations go to Glen Birchall our former Branch Chair who has settled well into his position on the NEC. His experience in working alongside management in a SLA prison and his understanding of contractual union input will be invaluable in the current climate. Keep in touch Glen.

Backbone of the serviceFinally we would like to pass on out congratulations to our members that have gained formal recognition for their work over the last 12 months, evidencing that our uniformed grades are the backbone of the service.

Apologies if we have missed anything.

The Committee.

Christmas wishes from all at Manchester.

36 Branch News.indd 41 3/12/10 11:53:02

42 December 2010 www.poauk.org.ukDecember 2010 www.poauk.org.uk

BRANCH NEWS

GLEN PARVAHello to everyone from Glen Parva.

A word about decency…it’s a two way street you know!

Another word about privatisation…NO!And fi nally a word about cuts to front line

offi cers…on your own heads be it.Article 3 of the European

Convention of Human Rights act, “prohibition of torture.” Simple, direct, transparent and free from any and all ambiguity.

What though, constitutes torture? Well, we could ask a different question that will set us along the path we need. How about this, what constitutes bullying? Most lay people would come out with the same tired and sorry answers, “pushing people around, picking on someone weaker than you, hitting people weaker than you”…I think you get the point, these answers differ immeasurably from what the Prison Service’s definition of bullying is. For in such we have such gems as “ignoring someone, shouting at someone, swearing at someone, dismissing someone’s opinion or point of view”. I really do feel that the Service is correct on this matter. Whether it’s ever really upheld is a matter for jotting in the future. Certainly senior managers in the service, it would appear in general anyway, ride roughshod over this as though their divinity gives them carte blanche to pick and choose which PSO and PSI they adhere to. Let’s make no mistake, bullying is rife in HMP and those most culpable are NOT in uniform.

So, back to our opening question, if bullying has such a vast and wide-ranging definition within HMP when compared to the general populace then could our view of what constitutes torture within HMP vary so dramatically from the same external source?

What constitutes torture as far as the general public is concerned? Well, I asked one hundred people and to sum up the vast majority of answers, “causing physical, mental, emotional or any other kind of pain to illicit a result favourable to the torturer to the detriment of the victim.” Now, forgive me for I am but a simple man, but, I feel that the current methodology of HMP investigation process comes mightily close to the ACTUAL dictionary defi nition of torture. I’ll go further, it comes as close as makes no diff erence to what most people would defi ne as torture…you doubt me? Ask anyone who has been investigated. It ain’t funny.

Revealing defi nitionof ‘torture’The word itself comes from the Latin albeit with several diff erent though no less interesting meanings linked as you will see. It comes from the Latin ‘tortura’. It means ‘to twist or turn’ but also more interestingly ‘to reveal’ perhaps we could be so bold as to suggest ‘to reveal through twisting’? I think it works. The current HMP method of investigation certainly causes pain and suff ering, it certainly falls under our Latin translation of ‘a twisting’ and also ‘causes a revealing’ and as regards that part it is right and proper, but what about the suff ering caused whether the party subject to such investigation is guilty or not of the accusation brought?

Investigations within HMP bring a man to his kneesThe main problem amongst a litany of issues is the time scale. Of course a reasonable period of time is necessary to undertake a thorough investigation of the facts but is several months reasonable? I suggest not, I suggest the damage to health both of body and soul is unacceptable in this day and age, I suggest that in its current state, HMP tortures its employees whenever they are investigated due to the antiquated, shambolic and archaic means it employs to carry out such investigations. Government investigations have taken less time to complete than some of the lunacy I’ve had presented as examples of investigations within HMP. They bring a man to his knees and care not for the damage done - not only to the subject but also to his family and friends. Surely this has to change and change now. Perhaps our Union would be so kind as to take up this mantle…? Perhaps not.

More jottings to come from Glen Parva!Ho hum, I hope that hasn’t cast to dark a shadow on Glen Parva’s fi rst jottings for many a year, things aren’t really quite so bad here though the place certainly has its moments as you creamy darlings will no doubt deduce from the little rant above!

The previous couple of years or so have undoubtedly made the place a better place to be. Our Governor, Michael Wood has raised

morale immeasurably since the departure of Nigel Smith and his trusty side kick, (GOD, how tempting it is…) Ms Orton. Hope things are going well at Wood Hill guys.

Currently in the middle of a re-profi ling consultative phase, whatever that is, (recently suggested to me that it’s merely a veneer or façade of a consultation minus any meaningful dialogue! Ooo err) we await the imposition of whatever it is those with the power have dreamed up. We can hardly wait. At least we have a couple of members of the Union with a hand of cards to play with, please pray for us. Hopefully with this our fi rst attempt at jottings for many a year, we will be inundated with humorous stories and anecdotes to amuse you all with for next time, provided that is, that those mystical elite who govern us don’t make having a sense of humour an off ence…can you imagine?

36 Branch News.indd 42 2/12/10 13:07:54


BRANCH NEWS

DUMFRIES

December 2010 December 2010 December 2010 434343

Hello All from HMP Dumfries. It has been many years since we wrote a piece for Gatelodge - in fact l think I was still up at ‘the bog hoose’ the last time Dumfries penned anything to the magazine

For those who don’t know where or what we are, we are a small prison with a capacity for

215 prisoners spread between local untried/convicted and mainstream prisoners who need to be separated from other prisoners because of the nature of their offence. We just sit across the border from Hadrian’s Wall into Bonnie Scotland where the only team in the bible play their football. When it’s not raining (we get at least two days a year of sunshine), a few loyal staff trudge along to Palmerston Park (ex gratia permitting) to follow the Queens with season tickets. John, you can see it all from C415 but there are no pies or Bovril up there unless you have yellow food ticket and you will be provided with a nutritional Scotch Pie or at least one that Davie’s budget can stretch to.

Well unfortunately, as I write this the atmosphere in HMP Dumfries is like the weather outside at the moment - stormy and blowing a gale with no obvious change on the horizon. I am proud to work for the SPS and all that it stands for and always look forward to coming to work but recently, within this establishment, this seems to have changed. There will be a testing times ahead for the committee and the branch down here as we to try and get the true workings of partnership back up and running at HMP Dumfries for the better of all and not just individuals.

It ’s bad enough that we are all worrying about possible budget restraints and cuts without squabbling amongst ourselves in Partnership. As any Catering Off icer 1 Chef will know, every good recipe needs all the ingredients to come together to make a perfect dish, but if some of the ingredients are missing then the dish doesn’t work and you might as well throw it in the bin. We need to work together in partnership as we will be stronger for this when it comes to making any possible big decisions in the future.

Better news We have two expectant ‘young’ mothers, both called Emma - ahhh!! The seed of love is alive and kicking in Dumfries!

The Christmas night out is in the advanced planning stage with the social conveners, Rhino and his deputy Miss Kristie organizing another fun-packed alcohol fuelled night of ‘banter’ and the famous ‘Staff Awards’ presentation for all the mishaps that have occurred throughout the year (believe me, there are a few!)

Special mention goes to Big Tam for all his work and eff ort as Union Learning Rep - when he asks you to go on a course you don’t refuse! And ‘Auld’ Robin, who isn’t leaving us yet (unfortunately), he is going part-time (you’re thinking what we are!) -just retired from playing football in the gym at 63!

And fi nally to members of the Local Committee who have fought our corner resiliently and with honour, throughout our diffi culties. ALL Committee members do a long, hard and sometimes diffi cult job all in the name of volunteers in the belief they can assist others – please, as members, do not forget that.

Hopefully the next time when I pen something to Gatelodge all will be resolved and we will all be one big happy Partnership family, to face all that comes before us.

Whatever the future holds for the POA what we need to remember is“Unity is Strength”. It is our motto for a reason and it is one we should never forget.Doonhamer.

36 Branch News.indd 43 3/12/10 11:53:58

HELP FOR HEROES


Brian Hinze, Rick Robinson and Colin Brittain, all keen photographers started a blog at www.d-wing.blogspot.com where they have uplopaded their beautiful rural images, some of which you see here. They then took this stunning selection of images and put them together in a book called ‘Matter of Focus’ to raise money for HELP for HEROES.

To see the images and buy the book visit:www.d-wing.blogspot.com

All profi ts from the sale of the books will go to HELP for HEROES.

STAFF AT HMP STOCKENARE RAISING MONEY FOR‘HELP FOR HEROES’ THIS YEAR.

ExhibitionThere will be an exhibition of the pictures at theSpotlight Gallery in Newark Town Hall, from 12th Jan 201until 12th Feb 2011.

The Gallery is open: Mon – Sat 10:30am – 3:30pm and admission is FREE. (www.sites.google.com/site/postivethinkers/)

All these spectacular pictures will be for sale and all the profi ts will of course go to Help for Heroes.

This is Rick Robinson’s dog, Wesley jumping for joy!

44 H4H.indd 44 2/12/10 13:11:05

ELLIOT NEEDSYOUR HELP

0303 303 0303 [email protected] www.anthonynolan.orgRegistered charity number 803716/SC038827

For thousands of patients like Elliot their only hope of survival is adonation of healthy stem cells.

But they can’t just take cells from anybody – they have to be froma person who’s a match.

You could be Elliot’s or another patient’s match.If you are, your donation of stem cells can save a life through a simple process that doesn’t take long or hurt verymuch. But first you’ll need to give us a saliva sample need to be tissue-typed so that we can see if you’re a match.

Aged 18 - 40 years, weigh over 8 stone (51kgs) and in good health?Go on, give a saliva sample and join the Anthony Nolan Register today.

Elliot from Merseyside is 8 years old and has leukaemia.Elliot from Merseyside is 8 years old and has leukaemia.

CHARITIES


The Prison Service Charity Fund will be holding its AGMSpringbridge Carriage Diving CentreCountesthorpe RoadWilloughby WaterleysLeicestershireLE8 6UL

On Saturday the 30th April 2011Any member wishing to attend would be most welcome.

The itinerary for the day1130 am arrival – coff ee or tea1215 pm lunch informal chat1400 pm meeting starts1600 pm meeting endsCoff ee or tea before departure.

If you wish to attend the AGM please confi rm by email or in writing no later than Friday April 15th 2011 to:

PSCF Secretary15 Merepark Drive, Southport, PR9 9FB. Email – [email protected]

PRISON SERVICECHARITY FUND AGM

45 Charity AGM/Anthony Nolan.indd 45 1/12/10 11:07:37

OBITUARIES


Harry was born in Birmingham on 5th March 1918 at a time when the

Great War was in its final chapter. He joined the Royal Artillery on 25th April 1936 when he was 18, training at Woolwich before embarking for India, joining the 73rd Field Battery, 5th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Between March 1938 and November 1941 he served on the North West Frontier being stationed first at Rawalpindi, and then serving at Poona, Peshawar, Abbotabad and Bombay.

By November 1941 Harry had been promoted to the rank of Lance Sergeant and he embarked with his unit for Malaya and arrived in Singapore. Here, he was involved

in the heavy fi ghting that took place in the defence of Singapore and suff ered a gunshot wound to his thigh and right shoulder. He was hospitalised in an emergency hospital set up in the GPO, where on the 14th February 1942 he became a captive of the Japanese, and so began the greatest ordeal of his life, where he suff ered unimaginable deprivations and brutal treatment. Unlike many of his fellow captives, Harry did not fi nd himself subjected to slave labour on the infamous railways but instead, his lot was to become enslaved in the depths of the earth working in the copper mines, spending his time in various Prisoner of War camps in the Philippines, Taiwan and eventually Japan.

His release from the torturous conditions under which he had been held was not to arrive until November 1945, when this fi ne, 27

year old six-footer fi nally tasted freedom. He had by then wasted away to just seven stone in weight, and during his captivity had suff ered from not only the eff ects of the wounds sustained whilst fi ghting the defensive action again the Japanese invasion, but also malaria, beri beri and dysentery, the latter of which was to claim so many of his comrades’ lives during their years in captivity.

After the WarAfter release from captivity, there began the slow and painful process of recovering from the health implications caused by his time spent as a Prisoner of War, and he was fi nally demobilised in early 1946. There then occurred two life changing events, the fi rst was joining the Prison Service at Winson Green, Birmingham in May 1946, and the second was his meeting and courtship of his lovelywife-to-be, Dorothy.

After initial training, Harry began his service as a Discipline Offi cer at HM Prison,Winson Green, and on 2nd April 1949 he married Dorothy at Vivian Road Church, Birmingham. During his years serving at Winson Green, his life outside the prison walls also fl ourished. Harry and Dorothy became the proud parents of fi rst, their son Peter, followed by their daughter Yvonne. Harry continued to serve at Winson Green until 1961 when he was promoted to the rank of Principal Offi cer.

More promotionHis posting in his new rank was to HM Prison, Welford Road, Leicester, and it was here that he made a considerable name for himself when he was appointed to the newly created post of Security Principal Offi cer. I know from personal accounts, of the esteem with which he was thought of by his immediate superiors, but additionally he also held the aff ection of the offi cers who served with him during his time at the “Big House” on Welford Road where he created many long lasting friendships that endure to this day.

Further promotion followed, and in 1969 Harry was again on the move as Chief Offi cer II,his destination this time was to be

CHIEF OFFICER I,HENRY GEORGE BLACKHAM I.S.M. (RETIRED)5th March 1918 – 11th September 2010

It is with a feeling of profound sadness that I report the passing away of Henry, always known as “Harry,” Blackham, after a short illness borne with much courage and dignity.

46-48 Obituaries.indd 46 1/12/10 11:07:59

OBITUARIES


HM Prison Winchester. Three years later, in 1972, further promotion to Chief Offi cer I and back to Leicestershire, this time to HM Prison, Gartree. Unfortunately, just as Harry arrived at HMP Gartree, a major riot occurred the consequences of which had a most devastating eff ect on staff morale, (which at the time can only be described as bleak) however, in his own inimitable way during two extremely diffi cult years, he was to exert exceptional eff orts, using his personal charisma,man-management skills and balanced approach in an eff ort to raise the morale and confi dence of his staff , a task which he succeeded in admirably by lifting the spirits of his staff and restoring a balanced regime and ethos to the establishment. It was therefore fi tting for him to receive in 1974, the Imperial Service Medal in 1947.

Harry’s retirementIt was from HM Prison Gartree in June 1976 at the age of 57 that Harry fi nally hung up his keys after completing 30 years’ service.

Harry was to remain in Leicestershire for the remainder of his life successfully depriving the Home Offi ce of over 34 years of pension payments, a fact which Harry was duly proud, and one of the highlights during the past years was a 90th birthday party held in his honour at which many friends, comrades and family gathered to pay their homage to a larger than life character of a man.

I feel honoured to have been considered Harry’s friend, and it is with a profound feeling of inner pride, that I will always remember walking along part of life’s path in his company. Having visited Harry during the latter stages of his illness, I was witness to a man who displayed all the courage and strength of character that had carried him through the darker days of his life, he bore his illness with great dignity, and never once did he let his illness become a burden to those around him. When the end came, he was surrounded by his closest family, and in their grief I off er on behalf of all Harry’s colleagues, ex-comrades,

and friends our most sincere condolences to his widow Dorothy, his immediate and wider family circle in their darkest hours, and may you all take comfort in knowing that Harry is at last in peace.

Michael Doyle,HMP Whatton.

MARGARET PASSEY (1949-2010) HMP KENNET

It is with a great deal of sadness that we report the sudden death of OSG Margaret Passey. This was a double blow to the family because Margaret had just taken time off work to care for her terminally ill husband, ex-Liverpool Senior Offi cer Mick Passey.

Margaret was certainly a colourful person, one of life’s real characters. This

was probably down to being a feisty Southern Irish woman, with a hint of Scouse acquired over the years.

Margaret truly had a heart of gold and would do anything for others. A measure of this was the sheer number of staff who braved a bitterly cold day to pay their fi nal respects. It was only right and proper that she was aff orded a full prison funeral, complete with a Piper.

It was nice seeing so many former colleges, coming from numerous prisons around the

estate, not least Altcourse, where she had worked previously. No doubt many in the congregation shed a private tear when her little granddaughter Reese read out a poem, on what was a very emotional day.

As you would expect, Margaret was the type of person who always said it as it was. One of the Committee’s lasting memories was of her coming up to them with ‘that’ look saying “It’s not right” when some manager was being over zealous with one of the other OSGs.

Margaret didn’t do PC, evidence of this is her organising a strike for several weeks at the Windsor Castle Pub where she worked, and no one dared cross the picket line that’s for sure!Many staff wrote kind comments in the book of condolence referring to her wicked sense of humour and that she always had sweets to hand out. A hard exterior, but soft centre. That sums her up nicely.

Rest in PeaceIan Prescott, On behalf of the Union.

46-48 Obituaries.indd 47 3/12/10 11:55:05

ARTHUR JENKINSON 10th March 1937 – 30th October 2010

Brian Jenkinson writes a moving tribute to his father, Arthur Jenkinson.It is with deep sadness that I have to report the passing of my Dad, Arthur Jenkinson, on 30th October 2010. After a stint in the Army and the police, Dad joined the prison service bringing a traditional approach that I am sure would not fi t with today’s ‘politically correct gone mad’ world. Leaving his wife, Annette, my brother, David and me, he will be sorely missed. His life revolved around the prison and he brought that discipline to his personal life. With a keen interest in sport, he followed his beloved rugby league team Hull RLFC with a passion.

Even in retirement, he expressed a passionate view around the on-going delivery of the prison service.

With all our love and thoughts, a last call for ‘lights out’!

RIP Arthur Jenkinson.

Rank Date Establishment

Aux Offi cer 2nd August 1960 HMBI Hull

10 September 1960 OTS Wakefi eld

Probationary Offi cer 7th November 1960 HMBI Hull

14th November 1960 HMBI Pollington

Offi cer 15th August 1961 HMDC Aldington

Senior Offi cer 12th May 1969 HMP Maidstone

17th April 1972 HMBI Dover

Principal Offi cer 6th January 1975 HMBI Hindley

27th September 1982 HMP Maidstone

15th October 1984 HMYCC Hindley.

I had the privilege of working with Arthur at Hindley in the late 1970s. He was a character and a leader of men. I was sad to hear of his passing and sent my condolences to his loved ones.May he rest in peace.

National Vice Chairman, Tom Robson.

OBITUARIES


46-48 Obituaries.indd 48 3/12/10 12:23:04

TRIBUTE

TRIBUTE TO RON ADAMSDear Colleagues,I would like to say thank you to everyone on behalf of myself and my family for all the kind thoughts and lovely messages and cards we received when my husband Ron Adams passed away in April. I apologise for the delay in sending this letter, but I am sure you can appreciate it has taken me a while to get myself together. Ronnie was not only my husband for 35 years but my best friend and confi dante, and I miss him desperately, however as a family we are taking it one day at a time.

It was very moving to see so many colleagues, past and present at his funeral and I am particularly grateful to staff from HMP Liverpool and HMP Onley for providing a ‘Guard of Honour’; and to their respective governors for enabling so many staff to attend. Ronnie would have been so proud, as we were, to see the respect aff orded him. I would also like to thank Tom Robson for his support and kind words at the funeral service representing the POA NEC; and to Colin Moses and Steve Gillan for taking the time to attend at what I know was a very busy time for them.

Finally I would like to thank all of the local branches who sent representatives to the funeral and made donations to the Prison Service Charity Fund (PSCF). Ronnie was always proud to be associated with the PSCF, having been involved in its inception as a branch offi cial at HMP Liverpool. I have received letters from benefi ciaries of your donations and I am sure you will join me in wishing them all well in the challenges they face. I would also like to commend the current administrators of the PSCF for the manner in which they have acknowledged individual donations from friends outside of the prison service, all of whom have expressed their appreciation of this approach, and the good work undertaken by the PSCF.

Ronnie was extremely proud to be a prison offi cer, and to subsequently represent his colleagues both at local branch level and latterly as an NEC member and National Vice-Chairman of the POA. Although in recent years his ability to actively engage in POA work was restricted by health problems, he was very pleased to re-engage this year with a role on the POA Disciplinary Committee. Many of you will know that I joined the prison service as a governor in 2000, prompting intrigue about how we reconciled our respective roles at home. I can honestly say it was never an issue because we respected each other and shared values of openness, consistency and fairness, all of which are fundamental to good human relationships, irrespective of the role one fulfi lls in life.

Whilst Ronnie’s main legacy is our three wonderful children who have made us so proud to be their parents, it is hard not to smile when you think of him because almost everybody that knew Ronnie has a funny story to tell. Good memories are testament to a good person. The funny stories that friends and colleagues have shared have been a great source of comfort to us, for which I thank you and wish you all well in the future.

Best regards, Margaret Adams.

Loved, respected and remembered.Tom Robson, Vice Chairman

www.poauk.org.uk December 2010 auk.org.uk December 2010 auk.org.uk 49 December 2010 4949 December 2010 49

TRIBUTE TO RON ADAMSDear Colleagues,I would like to say thank you to everyone on behalf of myself and my family for all the kind thoughts and lovely messages and cards we received when my husband Ron Adams passed away in April. I apologise for the delay in sending this letter, but I am sure you can appreciate it has taken me a while to get myself together. Ronnie was not only my husband for 35 years but my best friend and confi dante, and I miss him desperately, however as a family we are taking it one day at a time.

It was very moving to see so many colleagues, past and present at his funeral and I am particularly grateful to staff from HMP Liverpool and HMP Onley for providing a ‘Guard of Honour’; and to their respective governors for enabling so many staff to attend. Ronnie would have been so proud, as we were, to see the respect aff orded him. I would also like to thank Tom Robson for his support and kind words at the funeral service representing the POA NEC; and to Colin Moses and Steve Gillan for taking the time to attend at what I know was a very busy time for them.

Finally I would like to thank all of the local branches who sent representatives to the funeral and made donations to the Prison Service Charity Fund (PSCF). Ronnie was always proud to be associated with the PSCF, having been involved in its inception as a branch offi cial at HMP Liverpool. I have received letters from benefi ciaries of your donations and I am sure you will join me in wishing them all well in the challenges they face. I would also like to commend the current administrators of the PSCF for the manner in which they have acknowledged individual donations from friends outside of the prison service, all of whom have expressed their appreciation of this approach, and the good work undertaken by the PSCF.

Ronnie was extremely proud to be a prison offi cer, and to subsequently represent his colleagues both at local branch level and latterly as an NEC member and National Vice-Chairman of the POA. Although in recent years his ability to actively engage in POA work was restricted by health problems, he was very pleased to re-engage this year with a role on the POA Disciplinary Committee. Many of you will know that I joined the prison service as a governor in 2000, prompting intrigue about how we reconciled our respective roles at home. I can honestly say it was never an issue because we respected each other and shared values of openness, consistency and fairness, all of which are fundamental to good human relationships, irrespective of the role one fulfi lls in life.

Whilst Ronnie’s main legacy is our three wonderful children who have made us so proud to be their parents, it is hard not to smile when you think of him because almost everybody that knew Ronnie has a funny story to tell. Good memories are testament to a good person. The funny stories that friends and colleagues have shared have been a great source of comfort to us, for which I thank you and wish you all well in the future.

Best regards, Margaret Adams.

Loved, respected and remembered.Tom Robson, Vice Chairman

49 Ron Adams.indd 49 3/12/10 10:58:03

50 December 2010 www.poauk.org.uk www.poauk.org.uk December 2010 51

DOING YOUR JOB PROPERLY?I know very few prison offi cers who actually do their jobs properly. Indeed on many occasions I have heard prisoners saying she’s/he’s OK, they don’t search us properly anyway.

I have observed staff failing to rub down prisoners properly, escort so many prisoners at one time they have not maintained strict control over the movement, especially through gated areas. Prison offi cers - and we are all to blame - have cut corners or not bothered to do what is required to the correct standard and I ask myself why?

I will tell you why, it is because we all, me included, have in the past strived to make the system work, strived to make the job easier by reducing confrontation or by trying to ensure that our KPTs are met, especially on searching.

Ever since I can remember, we have cut corners to make it happen and what have our managers said? Nothing, as long as the paperwork records what has been done. The exception being, of course when things go wrong and the job was not done properly, it is then that the vipers come out of the wood to bite your backsides and on occasions take disciplinary action.

Notice to staff 47/2010 gives ‘advice and guidance’, to use a management dictate, on what could happen to you if you take industrial action, loss of pay being a starting point.

We need to consider the future of all staff even those abused as offi cer 2 having to do the same work for considerably less pay and we should not concede to the expectation of the prison service in taking any form of industrial action or even strike action, because we don’t need to.

All offi cers are trained to the same standard and the only diff erence between us all is the time in service. However, from this moment forward, from the date of the NTS (that being the 9 October 2010), we need to look closely at what we actually do and how we do it.

At the start of this short sermon, I mentioned that all members of staff without exception fail to carry out their duties to the letter and cut many corners to make it happen. In not carrying out your tasks to the letter you are failing to carry out your responsibilities and you are leaving yourself open to disciplinary action at worst.

I would like to think that NTS 47/2010 has been a complete waste of time for those who have seen it fi t to threaten staff and issue this warning of intent and if I were to consider my future carefully and the future of the service, I would be advising all staff to do what they are paid to do, to the letter and not cut corners to make things work on paper.

We have a responsibility to prisoners and to each other to ensure a safe and well run regime, a regime which can provide everything we are supposed to provide in the maintenance of security and the provision of treatment and training to prisoners in our care.

From the date of this publication we MUST, without exception, when conducting cell searching, prisoner rub down searching, escorting prisoners both inside and outside of the establishment, patrolling, carrying out duties on residential units, visits, etc carry out these sometimes diffi cult tasks TO THE LETTER, AS WE ARE PAID TO DO.

The purpose of this letter is not to criticise staff or to blame staff for how they have in the past cut corners to make the system work, but to highlight how we have carried out our tasks so that the prison service can boast that it is achieving all its targets and SMT members can get bonus payments.

I plead to all of you, in the future, please do not consider any form of industrial action or strike action as is the expectancy of those who sit at the top of the tree with binoculars, scanning the horizon for any member of staff they can single out to take away their livelihood.

You simply do not need to resort to this level of expectancy to prove to those who do not care your true worth.

I respectfully request all of you, from this moment forward, to do your job as you are paid to do and believe me, the message will be there for all to see. You cannot be taken to task for doing your job to the best of your ability, ‘without cutting any corners’, no matter how long that job will take to do.Respectfully,AJ.

ROUGH TIMES AHEAD

I am writing this as a member of the POA, (although retired now) and as an active trade unionist within the trade union council movement as a delegate.

I think that the membership of such bodies has lapsed in our Union over recent years, maybe as a result of the lack of real interest in political matters. I was dismayed to read in a recent SERTUC report that only three branches are affi liated to trades union councils in the SERTUC region. This is even more disappointing as it is the region that holds the highest number of establishments and headquarters. This is in spite of the NEC and leadership of the Union urging membership and support.

I foresee a rather rough time ahead of us and think that we need all the support that we can get – this, the trades union councils can and will give. Can I therefore ask for serious consideration be given at branch meetings for a resolution to affi liate be given?

Remember that membership not only gives local support but access to county and regional support and assistance. If I can give any information I shall be only too pleased to do so.

I am sorry if this seems to be a lecture but I am sure that the time for ‘pulling together’ among ourselves and with other unions and organisations is upon us and the trade union councils are a good starting place for those not already joined.

‘Unity is strength’ remember.Yours fraternally, Brian Caton - Latchmere House Branch (Retired).

It is with some humour, and much sadness that I have been following, through branch news, the unfolding comic opera that HMP Long Lartin has become.

It would seem that the Governor and his plethora of ‘managers’ have completely lost the plot. When I started at the prison in the 1970s there was just one Governor and he managed the establishment by treating his staff with respect, and he received the same in return. Now it would appear that Mussolini has been resurrected and he operates by ranting and raving and wagging his fi nger at staff that have more prison craft in their smallest digit than he has in his whole body.

A Governor is expected to lead his staff from the front and not to push them from behind. Oh and by the way, if he had wagged his fi nger at the calibre of offi cer I worked with, he might well have found it deposited in a very painful place on his body.

Yours truly,Ron Payne (Retired).

A VIEW FROM THE PAST

POSTBAG

50-51 Postbag.indd 50 2/12/10 14:20:36

50 December 2010 www.poauk.org.uk www.poauk.org.uk December 2010 51

THANK YOU TO THE POA

Dear Sirs,We would like to place on record our deepest thanks for the generous award from the POA Welfare Fund to one of our members, Mr Arthur Meadows.

Arthur has been very ill for some time and his wife has been struggling fi nancially with the expense of regular hospital visits and this donation will be very much appreciated.

It makes me very proud as a POA member, to know that this service is available to our members, who by no fault of their own have fallen on hard times.

Yours sincerely, Jon StokesBranch Secretary, Blundestone.

SEEKING FRIENDS

Dear Sirs,I served at Canterbury Prison as a night patrol offi cer for more than 12 years and met some good friends and colleagues.

I am writing this to see if any ex-members are here in Cyprus. I left the job due to stress and my marriage break up in 1990 and moved to Northampton. I had some good times and bad times there and as the years go, my fellow offi cers are not far from my thoughts

Yours, William Taylor (Served 1978 to1990).

POSTBAG

In my establishment we now have nearly 100 members of staff under investigation, a Governor and SMT who bully, harass and victimise staff on a daily basis. I have even been personally told that if I opt for a full hearing as opposed to a ‘fast track’ then this opens the option of dismissal to the Governor, yet our Union remains silent!

We are being persecuted on laughable charges to satisfy what many believe are personal vendettas by our Governor.

I cannot fault our local branch, nor praise them highly enough, they do all they can for us and work tirelessly in our defence, yet not one visit, bulletin even simple sign of support has been heard from the people we have elected to protect our jobs and secure our future. OUR NEC. OUR UNION.

I have been a member of the service and Union for over fi ve years and now have no idea why, given the inaction from the NEC on our behalf.

When we stood together I was proud to be part of the bigger picture. Being relatively new to the service I had little understanding of why we were called into industrial action, but was willing to accept the word of those we elected to lead us that it was the right thing to do.

Where are those people now and why do they no longer stand and fi ght for us?

Staff at my establishment face real threats to their rights and their futures, the very things the Union vows to protect, yet our elected Union is seen to do nothing to stand in our corner.

My colleagues tell me they have no faith in the NEC, that the past decisions made by the NEC have been rash, ill thought-out and damaging to us as members, (and yes, they can be voted out but has the damage already been done?) Quite frankly I agree. Were it not for our local branch I would certainly no longer be a Union member.

I would love to stand as a committee member but fear/hope I am not long for the service, it’s no longer a job I am proud to do or even want to do on a daily basis, in my opinion no job is worth what we go through.

If by any chance there are any NEC members reading this, I would love to know why/what you are doing on our behalf. As far as I can see, my branch has been hung out to dry and I am quite frankly ashamed to call you my Union.

We need to stand now as we have before, the longer our Union is allowed to wallow in inaction, the less of us there will be left in service, and the less of us there will be left with the spirit to fi ght for our rights, our jobs and our future.

I hope this message is understood before it is too late.

Disillusioned of Devon.

EDITOR’S NOTEThe author of this letter has failed to identify the establishment but I can assume they are talking about Dartmoor.

The NEC has been supporting the local branch in a number of ways and I urge the member to seek clarity on what they have been doing before putting pen to paper, in the future.

I am aware that the local NEC representative has visited the branch, met with the Committee and the Governor and is currently dealing with a number of Codes and appeals.

Whilst ‘Disillusioned of Devon’ has concerns about the way management deals with employees and uses the Code to dismiss, their anger should be focused on the service, not the NEC.

We must all remember management has the right to investigate, so don’t give them the opportunity to do so.

Please listen to the clear message given by this NEC: Do not send, store, forward or otherwise distribute inappropriate emails.

Finally I will pass on this letter to the NEC representative.

THE UNION VOWS TO PROTECT

50-51 Postbag.indd 51 2/12/10 13:32:59

SPORTS SCENE


It was a return to Shifnal Golf Club in Shropshire for this year’s national scratch / qualifi er, held in the middle of August.

Most of the fi eld had played the course before and so had previous knowledge

of trouble spots etc. those that hadn’t, would be well aware of them by the end of the day!

The event is held over 36 holes and used as a qualifi er for H.M.P.G.A. teams to play Northern Ireland and Scotland the following year. Competition for places is fi erce and despite a smaller than usual fi eld this desire remained with those trying desperately to make one of the teams. The matches next year will be away fi xtures meaning a trip to somewhere like Royal Portrush or Ladybank would be the incentive for everyone.

Serious businessThere are always those who take things more seriously than others, though Andy Lockwood isn’t one who normally springs to mind, yet there he was at 07:30 on the practice ground, honing his game. Now despite being one of our fi nest golfers, Andy has something to learn about throwing clubs, his form was terrible, and they didn’t travel straight and long. He was pointed in the direction of Dave Potter to help him improve his technique. Dave has years of experience in throwing, kicking and generally abusing clubs.

Despite this handicap and the belief that he was playing terribly, Andy opened with a 69, and confi rmed to the rest of the fi eld that an out of sorts Lockwood was better than most players’ best.

Unstoppable AndyAndy led by four shots at lunchtime from his playing partner Paul Sutton. Paul always wins at Shifnal. Fact. The event has been held here seven times over the years and the previous six times were all won by Paul, though on this occasion everyone realised Andy would need to contract bubonic plague during his lunch for anyone to catch him.

As well as Paul, there were a number of others around the same score hoping for a downturn in Andy’s fortunes. These included Chris Naylor, John Southward, Tony Inman, Simon Burnell and Rick Parry. Unfortunately they all had their own handicaps to overcome, and most couldn’t quite manage to do this. Chris was on night shift and very tired which made him appear more dozy than normal, (some feat), John’s playing partner Dave

Hudspith did a very passable impression of Greta Garbo, Simon was playing with Kev Vardy, enough said. Rick’s trousers started affecting his vision and Tony is very short, meaning for every mile walked by normal folk, Tony has to walk two, he was very tired!

ScoresDespite all this, Andy almost handed the championship to the chasing pack, by shooting 75 in the afternoon. Though Paul and Tony both shot 72 and Simon an excellent 71, they all came up short of catching him.

Behind Andy came Simon in second place on a count back from Paul in third place both on 145, with Tony two more back in fourth place. In fact, the qualifying scores for both teams were the lowest in living memory showing the standard on display is improving year on year, and that qualifying for the teams remains a challenge.

We were once again looked after very well by Shifnal Golf Club and as always, are in debt to the P.S.S.A. for assisting with the cost of prizes.

NATIONAL SCRATCH / QUALIFIER

Andy Lockwood (left) winner of the national scratch qualifi er, being presented with his prize by Stephen Kay,

National Treasurer at Shifnal Golf Club

52-55 Sports Scene.indd 52 3/12/10 12:28:35

SPORTS SCENE


Not since William Wallace and his barbarian hordes came south looking for a fi ght, have so many Scottish cut throats and ruffi ans descended on York hoping to right some wrongs. On that occasion they returned home with their tails between their tartan clad legs, it was yet to be seen if the same fate awaited these invaders.

In 2010 these Celts had something rather more than their freedom to fi ght for; they had theScrimgeour Cup, the holy grail of HMP golf and the

thing that England triumphantly returned home with in 2009. Rather like the Elgin Marbles or the one true ring, it had seemed an eternity since this mythical object had been home where it belonged, and now it was, England were determined that it should remain there.

York itself is of course an ancient fortifi ed city, fortifi ed in fact, to keep the Scots out, but these English hold few grudges and opened the gates of the city and Fulford Golf Club to their guests from north of the border.

PracticeThe Wednesday of the match is put aside for the British scratch championship, an opportunity for both sides to play a practice round over the course with the added incentive of the Hudspith / Abernethy Trophy, a claret jug named after two stalwart supporters of the match. On its fi rst playing in 2009 it was the English team who were most successful with fi ve of the top six coming from south of the border.

2010 was no diff erent with John Southward coming out on top of an English top–heavy leader board. Although John was born in Scotland he was fortunate to leave a long time ago, and now hopes to one day be considered for an associate membership of England.

John’s 73 was only better than Scotland’s Roger Lamond due to a lower back nine, both being very good scores over this famed golf course, that had been presented in superb condition by the green staff , particularly the greens which everyone praised. After the fi rst day’s play, both teams retreated to their hotels to refl ect on their play and select their partnerships for the following day’s four balls. The Scots went away to lick their wounds and anything else accidentally spilt in the bar.

Picture thisThe following morning dawned with beautiful blue skies and already warm temperatures, which was a shame as it meant the team photographs would be taken. Picture if you will 12 big, bold, hairy-arsed prison offi cers lined up in lilac shirts. The whole English team had prayed for rain so they could cover the off ending articles, unfortunately their shame, red faces and lilac shirts were there for all to see. Thanks to Stephen “Gok” Kay for that choice.

80 degrees heat for eight hoursOnce play commenced and this humiliation was put to one side, the morning four balls ended up being split three – three. In the second

of these matches between the English gentlemen, John Southward and Chris Naylor, and Scottish barbarians, Norrie Dyce andDavid Abernethy, something occurred that was perhaps a portent of what was to follow. Dave chipped in from off the green to win the match down the last hole, terrifi c for them as no-one could have predicted that a Scottish one up win would occur another six times over the next two days.

This was hammered home in the afternoon greensomes, when three of the Scots’ four wins were by the score of one up. This all meant that at the end of the fi rst day proper, the Scots lead by seven points to fi ve. There were some sore feet and heads after playing 36 holes in what was 80 degrees for the best part of eight hours, so obviously the best thing to do would have been to retire to the hotels and take it easy! Those crawling home at three and after, regretted not doing so.

Scottish victory!More beautiful weather awaited the competitors on the all-important and deciding last day. Some hard fought and closely matched games resulted in a three – three split after the morning four balls, meaning the score going into the singles was 10 – eight to Scotland. As a tie would be good enough for England to retain the trophy, seven points was the target for the sons of St. George.

Some intensive discussions took place in the England camp as to their singles order, who to play where and attempting to second guess the Scottish order. Unfortunately history has taught us that in general the Scots have a much more impressive record in singles, and despite some industrious and hard fought matches Scotland again prevailed six and a half to fi ve and a half. This meant an overall score of 16½ to 13½ in favour of the Scots.

Sandy Douglas, the Scottish captain, gleefully received the Scrimgeour Cup from England captain Dave Hudspith and was as sympathetic and magnanimous in victory as we have become accustomed to, after doing a highland jig!

Although ultimately disappointing for the English team, another thoroughly enjoyable and successful week was had by all competitors, setting standards of play that will be hard to match when the event returns to Scotland in 2011.

INTERNATIONAL MATCH 2010

The English team in their lilac shirts courtesy of Stephen “Gok” Kay


SPORTS SCENE


Prison Offi cerTracy Burnett fromExeter helps the FA to challenge the nation toget into football.

Tracy Burnett a prison offi cer and referee from Exeter joined former England and Chelsea

star Graeme Le Saux and Sky Sports presenter Ben Shephard to tell the country that ‘Football Needs You’.

The Football Association’s latest campaign aims to inspire mechanics, teachers, accountants, DJs and everyone who loves football to take their fi rst steps to becoming a grassroots coach or referee. The ambitious target for the inspirational new ‘Football Needs You’ campaign is to encourage 50,000 new Level I coaches by 2011 and 8,000 new referees by 2012.

Tracy Burnett has been a linesman and referee for the past 17 years having taken The FA’s Refereeing course in the early 90s. Despite having to do a lot of shift work Tracy is still able to offi ciate regularly in the Peninsula League. She said: “I’ve gone from bringing on the oranges at half time to actually running the game.”

Pulling on her tracksuit alongside Shephard and Le Saux, Tracy and the other real life stars of the ‘Football Needs’ campaign, were put through their paces by the FA’s top coaching

staff at Burton’s Court to set them on their way to a rewarding career in coaching.

The ‘Football Needs’ nationwide advertising campaign also features Jaz Dhami, a Punjabi singer, teacher Manisha Tailor and air steward David Green, all of whom retain their passion for coaching and refereeing while juggling their busy professional careers.

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said: “Millions of us spend hours of our lives watching football, talking about football and analysing matches. ‘Football Needs’ is a chance to put that knowledge and passion into practice and give something back.

“Becoming a coach or referee is a rewarding experience. We need more good coaches to inspire and develop young players, giving them the skills and confi dence to play football regularly and striving to be the best they can be. I wish The FA the best of luck with this excellent campaign.”

In a bid to get people to stay in the game England Coach Stuart Pearce and 2010 FA Cup Final referee Chris Foy have also joined the grassroots heroes by taking cameo roles in The FA’s new ‘Football Needs’ cinema adverts. The ads take a light-hearted look at the unassuming characters at the forefront of the grassroots coaching and refereeing scene in a ‘Never Mind the Buzzocks’ style spoof. As well as being available online at www.TheFA.com/FootballNeedsMe the adverts will also be aired in 220 cinemas for four weeks across the country reaching an

estimated audience of one million viewers.Stuart Pearce, England coach and U21

manager, said: “The really rewarding thing about being a coach is watching that improvement in players, coaching them during the week and seeing them put the skills they have learnt into practise during a game on any given Saturday. I would encourage anyone with a passion for football to discover how rewarding coaching can be.”

Supporting The FA’s ‘Football Needs’ campaign Premier League and 2010 FA Cup Final referee Chris Foy is excited by the unveiling of the FA’s f irst ever advertising creative focused on encouraging those who enjoy the game to get into refereeing. He said: “Having joined the police force at 21, refereeing provided me with a great opportunity to stay in the game that I love while at the same time pursuing my professional career. It doesn’t matter if you’re refereeing at Old Trafford, Anfield or Stamford Bridge the same fundamentals and enjoyment of refereeing apply whatever the level.”

The FA’s ‘Football Needs’ campaign forms part of the National Game strategy, a £200m pound investment in grassroots football and The Get into coaching objectives is supported by McDonalds and the Get into Refereeing campaign runs in association with Carlsberg.

FOOTBALL NEEDS YOU

Tracy Burnett joined former England and Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux and Sky Sports presenter Ben Shephard

to say ‘Football Needs You’.

For more information visit:www.TheFA.com/footballneedsme


SPORTS SCENE


This year’s festival will follow a slightly diff erent format as it will combine the regional competitionsand the sides will be split into four regions. The winners of each region will then play at a later date in a semi-fi nal for the Maunsell Trophy.Entry is via the entry form (below) and costs £25 per team. As the EPSFA is funded by the PSSA all entrants are required to be members of the PSSA.

The closing date for entries is 18th March 2011.NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE DAY

RULES• 9 a-side squad of 11 players• No off sides• Each team to provide a match ball and set of bibs• This year’s festival will combine both the festival and regional competitions teams will be split into four regions and the winners of each region will

play at a later date in the Maunsell Trophy semi-fi nals • £25 entry fee per team. Cheques made payable to EPSFA with entry form to PSSA, PSC Newbold Revel, Stretton-under-Fosse, Rugby,

Warwickshire, CV23 0TH• Closing date for entries 18 March 2011• This event is funded by the PSSA, as such, all entrants are required to be members (minimum 12 months).

(Only exceptions are offi cers’ sons who will be charged £2 payable on the day)• Early cancellation incurs £20 admin fee • Any entry forms without either membership numbers or membership forms will be refused• Membership forms can be obtained from your local representative, from the PSSA address above or Nigel Masters at North Sea Camp, Frieston,

Boston, Lincs PE22 0QX

Complete the entry form below, and return to: PSSA, PSC Newbold Revel, Stretton-under-Fosse, Rugby CV23 0TH

HMP:………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name PSSA Membership Number Name PSSA Membership Number

Contact name and number:………………………………………………………… Directions and details will be included with your confi rmation of entry.

THE ENGLISH PRISON SERVICE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL.6TH APRIL 2011 AT 09.30AM

LEICESTER UNIVERSITY SPORTS GROUNDSTOUGHTON ROAD, OADBY, LEICESTER LE2 4FS


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30 levy and mc.indd 30 8/6/10 11:47:47

48 Levy.indd 1 24/9/10 16:15:29

poa gatelodge december 2010

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