New era of industrial relations in prisons

Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the outcome of a Prison Officers Association (POA) ballot on new working practices in prisons.

The Minister said that the endorsement by prison officers of new agreed arrangements between management and the union would help quicken the pace of reform across the Prison Service.

David Ford said: “Agreement in principle on the new working arrangements was reached in March between management and union leaders.

“The POA balloted its members and today the union has informed the Prison Service that by a majority of two thirds, prison officers have endorsed the new package.

“This historic outcome heralds a new era of industrial relations within our prisons and allows for the fundamental reform programme to modernise the Prison Service to continue apace.”

Agreement was reached after months of detailed and painstaking negotiations and David Ford paid tribute to all those involved.

Included in the new agreed arrangements are: The repeal of the current and long-standing Framework Agreement, to be replaced by a new Staff Deployment Agreement.

New Operating Model for establishments launched and rolled into line with appropriate staff to prisoner ratios and a new core day.

Introduction of new Custody Officer and Offender Supervisors roles.

Current seven tier management structure reduced to four with the amalgamation of several grades.

New disputes and Industrial Relations Procedural Agreement to be implemented along with a new Code of Ethics.

David Ford said: “Over the last few months, a number of key milestones have been reached as part of the fundamental reform of the Prison Service.

“Over 150 staff left at the end of March under the Exit Scheme and the endorsement by the POA membership of the new working practices means that more will be able to go when it is operationally possible.

“Almost 5,000 applicants were received for the new Custody Officer roles and after the first part of the recruitment campaign, 900 candidates are now going through the assessment centre with the first new recruits due on the landings before the end of the year.

“Reform of the Prison Service is unstoppable. While much has been achieved over recent months there is still much more to do and I am determined to maintain the momentum of change.”