This interview, conducted by Professor Karen Harrison with Steve Gillan (General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association) and Tom Wheatley (President of the Prison Governors’ Association), explores the evolving challenges and future prospects for prison staff in the UK. Both leaders reflect on their extensive careers and express deep concern over the current state of the prison workforce, highlighting issues such as under-resourcing, high turnover, lack of training, and diminished managerial structures. They argue that the dismantling of experienced ranks and the introduction of cost-saving measures have led to a loss of institutional knowledge and weakened staff support systems. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more structured and professionalised workforce, advocating for the reinstatement of key managerial roles, improved recruitment practices, and tailored training and development pathways. Both Gillan and Wheatley stress the importance of meaningful line management relationships and bespoke continuing professional development (CPD) to retain and empower staff. They also call for a more realistic approach to staffing levels, prison population management, and retirement age policies. The interview concludes with a unified message to policymakers: the prison service must be adequately funded and respected to ensure it can fulfill its rehabilitative mission. This dialogue offers a candid and critical insight into the systemic reforms needed to build a resilient, skilled, and future-ready prison workforce.
Interview with Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association and Tom Wheatley, President of the Prison Governors’ Association.
