Inspection announcement: dynamic inspection of public protection - Wales region. Fieldwork begins w/c 27 April 2026

Inspection announcement: youth justice work with children and victims in Stoke - fieldwork starts w/c 11 May 2026.

Inspection announcement: youth justice work with children and victims in Medway - fieldwork starts w/c 18 May 2026.

A picture of the chief inspector of probation Martin Jones with a quote that says Plymouth Youth Justice Service have taken the time to truly understand the children they work with and are delivering strong operational activity with victims. I trust our recommendations will help the service flourish.

Plymouth YJS was today rated 'Good' after an inspection of their work with children and victims. Inspectors found that work with victims was well-resourced but noted children’s engagement in voluntary interventions was inconsistent. buff.ly/u9KNFwc

Don received a seven-month prison sentence for repeated shoplifting, linked to Class A drug addiction and underlying mental health needs. Despite attempts to engage him in treatment during licence supervision, he continued to disengage and reoffend, and his risk of serious harm was assessed as medium.

The practitioner persistently encouraged Don’s attendance at probation, treatment and support appointments. Although Don missed appointments, there was no evidence of increased risk, so the focus remained on re-engagement rather than enforcement. Recall was considered, but two licence warnings were issued instead.

A detailed release plan included supported accommodation, addiction support with a methadone prescription, and mental health services. The practitioner coordinated closely with key agencies, including police, and worked with hospital staff to arrange accommodation when Don was admitted due to ill health.

After discharge, Don disengaged again - missing appointments, leaving accommodation and becoming unreachable. When police reported suspected further shoplifting, the practitioner consulted their manager and initiated a fixed-term recall, as Don had breached his licence by failing to stay in contact and posed a risk of further offending.

2/2 The practitioner was supported to make thorough attempts to contact the person on probation, reaching out through partner agencies and family members, before progressing to enforcement. Read the full guide here: buff.ly/0M12u2B

1/2 To round off our week of highlighting effective examples of professional curiosity, this case focuses on middle managers and the impact on enforcement decisions.

Reframing masculinity for young men and boys. A quote from Dr Robin Moore, Head of Research and Data Analysis, "“Many young men and boys within the criminal justice system have internalised damaging ideals that equate masculinity with control and aggression. Through understanding these issues, probation and youth justice practitioners can interpret behaviours accurately and address root causes rather than symptoms, challenging harmful narratives without alienating, and promoting positive identity development.”

Our latest Academic Insight by Dr Sophie King-Hill explores the interconnected themes of masculinity, mental health, misogyny, violence and relationships education through the lens of probation and youth justice. hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/document/ref...

Effective practice guide: Middle managers – professional curiosity insights (adult services) – HM Inspectorate of Probation Inspecting probation and
 youth justice services.

2/2 Read the full Effective Practice guide here: hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/effective-pr...

Example of effectiveness: addressing barriers to professional curiosity Cody received a 27 month sentence for stalking and harassment of his wife. Although initially assessed as medium risk, his fixation on the victim and denial of abuse led to his risk being escalated and his case managed under MAPPA Level 2, meaning his case needed to be managed by multiple agencies.

Strong communication between prison and community offender managers ensured a robust release plan. Monitoring his prison communications showed he still viewed the victim as his wife and intended to contact her, leading to additional licence conditions allowing his phone and internet use to be monitored.

Cody displayed high levels of manipulation and extremely challenging behaviour towards staff. The practitioner recognised this and actively sought out their manager to discuss the impact. To support the practitioner, their manager allocated a co-worker. Both practitioners gave consistent messages to Cody, which in turn reduced his constant challenges.

Probation staff often work with extremely challenging individuals who attempt to manipulate or intimidate them; this can take its toll on the welfare of the practitioner. Allocating a co-worker can relieve the stress on an individual practitioner. Together, the two practitioners set clear boundaries and delivered consistent messages to Cody.

1/2 This week we’re highlighting examples of professional curiosity in action and today we’re focusing on middle managers. In this example of effectiveness, we can see the impact of a manager who creates a culture that enables and actively encourages an environment of professional curiosity.

A picture of chief inspector of probation Martin Jones with a quote that says while strategic public protection work had been strengthened, and we saw improvements since our last inspection, fewer than half the cases inspected sufficiently met our standards in three out of four key questions. A notable theme that ran throughout our findings was a lack of engagement with partner agencies, including police; and limited professional curiosity also continued to be a concern

A quote card with text that says Context: The East of England region of the Probation Service covers eight Probation Delivery Units (PDUs), Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, North Essex, South Essex and Suffolk. Seventy cases were inspected where the Inspectorate examined assessment, planning, implementation and delivery, and reviewing, all through the lens of public protection work. At the time of the inspection announcement, the region supervised 20,900 people in the community or in custody.

A quote card with text that says Findings: Despite improvements in case work, some of the same key shortfalls remained. Too often, the level of analysis of information regarding public protection was insufficient, with practitioners often lacking either the knowledge or confidence to seek clarification of additional detail. There was a strong drive from regional leaders to ensure public protection was at the forefront of practice and was understood by frontline practitioners. This, however, did not always translate into service delivery.

New report: Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in the East of England region. Inspectors noted that regional leaders were aware more work needed to be done to keep people safe, as this did not always translate in service delivery. buff.ly/0Vu8gav

Example of effectiveness: professional curiosity supporting resettlement As Karim approached release, his probation officer maintained regular contact via video calls, letters and a face-to-face visit, working closely with resettlement and custodial staff to keep communication consistent and effective.

Karim struggled emotionally after the loss of his father while in custody. Support from the chaplain and mental health team revealed that his needs were greater than first identified, with risks around further offending and self-harm.

When Karim was placed on a counselling waiting list, his probation officer contacted the local mosque, at Karim’s request, to maintain continuity of support. On release, a worshipper met Karim with a hot meal, and his probation officer attended to ensure the support felt right for him.

By staying in contact throughout his sentence and working closely with professionals, the probation officer developed a clear understanding of Karim’s needs, enabling informed decisions that supported his mental health and ensured continuity of care.

This week we’re highlighting examples of professional curiosity in action. Today we’re looking at how professional curiosity in practitioners can support resettlement.

Read the full Effective Practice guide here: buff.ly/wIFYMqo

An inspection of Victoria House Approved Premises. Overall rating: 'Good'. A quote from HM Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones CBE, ““The staff at Victoria House worked well together and leaders had fostered a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. A strong rehabilitative offer was in place and staff understood and responded well to the individual needs of residents.”

Victoria House Approved Premises (AP) has been rated as ‘Good’ following an inspection. The AP has faced challenges with staff shortages and recruitment delays. However, inspectors found the service calm, stable, and well led despite the difficulties. buff.ly/GHFCIWt

Using professional curiosity to blend risk and desistance Elaine was on a community order with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement for theft and had an extensive history of acquisitive crime. While substance use played a part, the underlying causes were linked to her vulnerabilities from a history of brain injury and mental health needs.

Elaine often had cuts and bruises and was vague about their cause. Unsatisfied with her explanation, the practitioner visited her home and found it in severe disrepair with known associates exploiting the property for criminal activity. Elaine admitted she felt unsafe.

The practitioner worked with police to address risks, arranged home repairs and shared information with local partners to tackle the exploitation. They also challenged plans to end adult social care involvement. By recognising the importance of family, they supported Elaine to move toward stability, reduce drug use, and rebuild relationships.

Although assessed as low risk, Elaine was vulnerable. The practitioner intervened, provided support, and liaised with other agencies to safeguard and prevent further offending. Elaine has now stopped using drugs and has aspirations for a drug-free life.

This week we’re highlighting examples of professional curiosity in action. To begin, we’re looking at how practitioners can use professional curiosity to blend risk and desistance.

Read the full Effective Practice guide here: hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/effective-pr...

Congratulations to East Riding Youth Justice Service (YJS) on their rating of 'Outstanding' following an inspection of work with children and victims. East Riding YJS was also rated ‘Outstanding’ in their last inspection in 2019. hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/document/an-...

2/2 This week we’ll be sharing examples from two of our effective practice guides, focusing on how professional curiosity from both practitioners and middle managers can promote positive change. Follow along to learn more.

Effective Practice Focus Week: Professional Curiosity. “I’ve had nothing but help from these services and I’m in a much better place these days and trying to get my life back on track. And that’s because of all the help and support I’ve received through my probation officer and drug workers and other people they have signposted me to, which is helping my recovery big time.” – Person on probation.

1/2 When practitioners are professionally curious, they are more likely to deliver a personalised and individually tailored service, which research indicates has more impact.

Inspection announcement: Pennywell House Approved Premises in Sunderland. On site fieldwork starts this week.

Inspection announcement: youth justice work with children and victims in Peterborough - fieldwork starts w/c 13 April 2026.

A picture of Martin Jones with a quote that says while staff were committed and leadership had worked hard to create a positive and supportive culture, Westbourne House faces significant pressures. Difficulties in staffing and recruitment are placing immense pressure on the team, and I once again call on His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service to urgently complete the review of staffing, resourcing and recruitment procedures for APs.

Westbourne House Approved Premises has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection published today. Inspectors praised public protection but were concerned over the allocation decisions made by the Central Referral Unit. buff.ly/zzdltfD

The role of the probation hostel in successful resettlement Bridging custody and community: The role of Approved Premises in successful reintegration

The role of the probation hostel in successful resettlement
@hmiprobation.bsky.social Research & Analysis Bulletin calls for more autonomy for AP managers amongst other recommendations
www.russellwebster.com/the-role-of-...

Inspection announcement: dynamic inspection of public protection - North West region. Fieldwork begins w/c 23 March 2026

Inspection announcement: youth justice work with children and victims in Rotherham - fieldwork starts w/c 23 March 2026.

WATCH: Our latest research video on Approved Premises and their role in successfully reintegrating residents from custody into the community. buff.ly/pbTQQVk

A picture of Martin Jones with a quote that says since the launch of our Approved Premises inspection programme in 2025 we have sought to shine a light on the important, often underappreciated, work taking place in APs, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Alongside our inspection work, we hope this evidence based RAB, which identifies barriers and enablers of success, will assist in improving the work that APs do to protect the public and reintegrate people back into the community

NEW: Read our latest Research and Analysis Bulletin which seeks to develop an understanding of the Approved Premises environment, alongside the barriers and enablers to the safe integration of their residents into local communities. buff.ly/73i19dT

New report: Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in the West Midlands region of the Probation Service. Staffing levels were less acute than other areas, yet inspectors found significant shortfalls in practice to keep people safe. buff.ly/73T1T2s

A picture of Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation with a quote that says Plas y Wern had a strong culture of collaboration and learning, and staff were committed to delivering a high-quality service. Residents told us they felt safe and spoke positively about the support they received.

Plas Y Wern Approved Premises was rated ‘Good’ following an inspection published today. The report noted robust public protection arrangements and found risk of harm managed well. Read the full report here: buff.ly/0pNZE0b

An inspection of Bridgewood Approved Premises in Northampton. Overall rating: 'Requires improvement'. A quote from HM Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones CBE, “While we found committed staff who were working hard to support residents in challenging circumstances, the service was too reliant on the efforts of individual staff rather than being supported by strong systems and processes.”

Bridgewood Approved Premises has been rated 'Requires improvement'. Inspectors were concerned over the staffing picture at Bridgewood and highlighted concerns over the workplace culture, training gaps and inconsistent supervision. buff.ly/2otszCM

Congratulations to Bridgend Youth Justice Service (YJS) on their rating of 'Outstanding' following an inspection of work with children and victims. This is the third YJS to receive an 'Outstanding' rating in our new programme buff.ly/XbphBEm

A picture of Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation with a quote that reads we found many elements of strong practice at Gloucestershire YJS. Where successful outcomes for children were observed, practitioners had taken a relational approach, taking the time to understand children’s needs and backgrounds. Unfortunately, there were inconsistencies in practice which resulted in an overall rating of requires improvement

Gloucestershire YJS was today rated as ‘Requires improvement’ in our new report. Inspectors noted impressive detail in children's health assessments but found work with victims needed to be strengthened. Read the full report here buff.ly/BsQ8jSu

Inspection announcement: Quay House Approved Premises in Swansea. On site fieldwork starts this week.