The Joint Unions in Prisons Alliance (JUPA) was established in response to ongoing concerns about the safety of staff working in prison environments. Its mission is to drive improvements in working conditions so that all staff can feel Safe Inside. 

JUPA brings together the following trade unions and professional organisations, all of which represent members delivering essential services in prisons: 

• British Medical Association (BMA) 
• GMB 
• Napo (The Trade Union, Professional Association and campaigning organisation for  
• Probation and Family Court staff) 
• Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) 
• POA (Prison Officers Association) 
• Royal College of Nursing (RCN) 
• Royal College of Podiatrists 
• UCU (University and College Union) 
• UNISON 
• Unite the Union.

The Alliance represents staff employed by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), private prison providers, and third-party contractors delivering services such as cleaning, maintenance, healthcare, and education. 

The RCN currently serves as Co-Chair of the Alliance, which meets every six weeks to address health and safety concerns and advance shared priorities. JUPA also holds quarterly meetings with HMPPS to raise and resolve key issues. 

RCN members and representatives working in prisons are encouraged to report health and safety concerns to the Employment Relations, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Team at HSWTeam@rcn.org.uk, so these can be raised at JUPA meetings. 

We also encourage members working in prisons to become trade union representatives and for Health & Safety Reps to actively participate in local H&S committee meetings. This helps influence change and embed a proactive, positive health and safety culture across prison workplaces. 

JUPA is committed to working collaboratively and engaging with key stakeholders to advocate for better working conditions for all members.

Safe Inside Charter 

The updated Safe Inside Charter was launched in Parliament on 8 July 2025.  

It outlines the principles of a positive health and safety culture, effective management practices, and safe working conditions that protect the long-term physical and mental wellbeing of all prison workers—regardless of their employer.

The Charter identifies key health and safety risks and sets out how JUPA will work in partnership with HMPPS to:

• raise concerns 
• share ideas and solutions 
• agree on actions 
• engage workers in creating safer, healthier workplaces.

Download the Safe inside Prisons Charter.

Position statement 

The Safe Inside Position Statement will reaffirm JUPA’s commitment to working together with key stakeholders to campaign for meaningful improvements in the working conditions of prison staff. The position statement will be available soon.

If you are an RCN member working in a prison and would like to raise any health and safety concerns for discussion by JUPA please contact: HSWTeam@rcn.org.uk. Members can also contact RCND for further advice and support.