As Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Nursing’s UK Health & Safety Representatives Committee, I was proud to attend the parliamentary launch of the Joint Unions in Prisons Alliance (JUPA) Safe Inside Charter on 8th July 2025 at Westminster. Chaired by Liz Saville Roberts MP, the event brought together a powerful coalition of unions and professional bodies, all committed to improving the safety, health, and wellbeing of members working in our prison system. 

The launch coincided with President Macron’s visit, adding international attention and heightened security presence around Westminster which added to the excitement but also increased the security queues to Westminster!  

The Charter is a significant achievement and has been developed collaboratively by unions including the Royal College of Nursing, British Medical Association, GMB, Napo, Public and Commercial Services Union, POA, Royal College of Podiatrists, UCU, UNISON and Unite the Union. It sets out 20 clear principles that aim to transform the culture of health and safety in prisons, ensuring that every worker, regardless of employer, feels safe, supported, and respected. 

The most powerful moments of the launch came from hearing first-hand accounts from union members who have experienced violence, harassment, and unsafe conditions while working in prisons. These testimonies were deeply moving and a stark reminder of why this Charter is so urgently needed. They highlighted the real human element of why improved health and safety measures are vital. 

The Safe Inside Charter is built on the principle that health and safety is a right, not a privilege. It calls for: 

• Zero tolerance for violence, harassment, and abuse—including sexual harassment and assault. 
• Thorough risk assessments and safe staffing levels to protect workers. 
• Accessible reporting systems for incidents and concerns, available both during and outside working hours. 
• Specialist support for workers affected by violence or trauma. 
• Robust investigations and follow-up actions for all reported incidents. 
• Proactive infection control, including access to immunisations and support for isolation without financial detriment. 
• Stress prevention strategies, using HSE management standards and meaningful consultation with staff. 
• Collaborative governance, with union health and safety reps actively involved in health and safety decision-making. 
• Protection from exposure to psychoactive and illicit substances.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, through regular inspections and audits. 

These principles are not just aspirational, they are actionable. They reflect the lived realities of prison workers and the collective expertise of the unions who represent them. 

By signing and enacting the Charter, His Majesties Prison and Probation Service can send a clear message: that they are committed to working in partnership with trade unions to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of their workforce. This is not just about compliance, it’s about creating environments where workers feel empowered to speak up, supported when things go wrong, and confident that their wellbeing is a priority. 

As a health and safety advocate, I know that change is possible when we work together. The Safe Inside Charter is a step forward and we must ensure its principles are embedded in every corner of our prison system. 

You can read more about the Safe Inside Charter and Position Statement on the Nursing in Justice and Forensic Health Care Forum webpage