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STEVE GOUGH

Introduction & Contents List

Knowing the views of your national officials is an important part of the democratic process and an integral part of the electable system. I have always tried to write articles and papers for the Gatelodge Magazine that stimulate debate and move the POA’s agenda forward in a proactive and positive way and be as transparent regarding my views and visions as I can. This web site is the natural next step in my attempt to progress my agenda and vision of how the POA should look for the future.

I have been a member of the Prison Service for 14 years and have been a member of the NEC for the past 4 and half years. I joined at HMP Liverpool and have worked at HMP Full Sutton and HMP Styal. Before joining the Prison Service I worked at British Aerospace Woodford for 12 months as an aircraft fitter and prior to that I was in the British Army for 5 years in the Royal Engineers.

I pride myself on trying to balance practical experience with academic ability whilst representing you the membership.

The POA represents a range of professionals within the criminal justice system and as such they deserve to be represented by equally professional and competent national officials. I have attained an M.A. in Industrial Relations and Employment Law at Keele University, I am N.E.B.O.S.H. qualified in Health and Safety and also I am qualified with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). These, with my many trade union and Prison Service qualifications place me in an unprecedented position of strength when representing you both collectively and individually. I have in excess of 10 years direct experience with the POA and believe the Prison Service fears me for the reasons stated.

My portfolio as a member of the National Executive Committee is both diverse and challenging with a number of major responsibilities. I am the POA’s main Health and Safety advisor and conduct all national negotiations on your behalf. I speak to our Health and Safety representatives on a daily basis and I have an in-depth and intricate knowledge of the subject. I believe my ability within the sphere of Health and Safety is second to none and an important part of the POA’s work.

I am the lead and main negotiator for the union’s successful million pound bid to set up a network of Learning Centres around the country. I formulated and submitted the bid, which is taking our union to a new level of professionalism. These centres will be invaluable to the POA as we progress our modern agenda. I am also organising the POA’s first professional conference to be held on the 2^nd and 3^rd of March 2005 in Coventry. I am very proud to be responsible for this work and the enhanced status it has given the union.

My responsibilities also include dealing at local and national level with the North West of England, sitting on the Legal Aid Committee and representing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Committee at national level. I use my seat and vote on the National Executive Committee to attain a modern and successful trade union.

Feel free to explore this web site (contents are listed below); I hope they give you food for thought. If you have any questions or observations please email me.

Best Wishes

Steve Gough, M.A.

National Executive Committee