This blog is written by Amelia Sharman, a residential worker at Eden House Approved Premises. 

 

Frontline experience must shape research

 

At Interventions Alliance, the relationship between research and practice is highly valued. As an operationally led organisation, we know that so much of our subject level expertise comes from our highly knowledgeable and experienced frontline staff. Having a dedicated, in-house research team allows us to elevate the voices and experiences of our staff (and the people who they support and work with), true collaboration means ensuring that professionals and experts-by-experience can also relate experiences in their own words and in their own ways.

 

Getting involved in the research process

 

There is a clear and growing call for more research into women within the CJS, particularly to better understand the complexities of their specific needs and experiences. This has been an area that I have always been interested in making a real difference in, so when the opportunity to work with Intervention Alliance’s head of research Kerry Ellis Devitt arose, I was keen to take part. It felt like a valuable opportunity to not only contribute my front-line perspective, but also to help ensure that the voices and experiences of the staff, and the women that we support, are reflected in research and developing frameworks.

 

Alongside this, I feel that it is equally important that research does not remain simply within reports, but that the evidence gathered is meaningfully reflected in the way we work day-to-day, and that practice continues to evolve in response to what we know is effective and impactful.

 

“It is essential for practitioners to be heard within research discussions, contributing to the understanding of the demands of frontline work, ensuring that research, policy and wider discussions remain grounded in what actually works in practice.”

 

The 20 Years Post Corston: Where are the Women and Girls? Probation Journal Special Edition Symposium – University of Cambridge

 

In March, I attended the Probation Journal special edition symposium at the University of Cambridge: “20 Years Post Corston: Where are the Women and Girls?”

 

The day brought together powerful perspectives on women in the criminal justice system, trauma-informed practice, and the need for systemic change.

 

Several messages stood out:

• Lived experience and voice matter. Kate Fraser emphasised that women must be supported to define their own safety, express themselves and be recognised as experts in their own lives. It highlighted the conflict between trauma-informed tensions and the realities of working within target-driven systems. This reinforced for me the importance of listening without imposing assumptions.
• Change requires whole-system thinking. Speakers including Lady Edwina Grosvenor and organisations such as Hope Street and One Small Thing showed what can be achieved through community-based, trauma-informed alternatives to custody. This resonated with me, as in my role I see first-hand the impact that separation and instability can have on families. It also aligned with my own values around supporting women in ways that go beyond punishment, focusing on long-term change, wellbeing, and ultimately reducing recidivism.
• Frontline impact is cumulative. Dr Stephanie Covington’s message that “wellbeing leads to welldoing” stayed with me. She spoke about the idea that we may not be the first or the last influence in someone’s life. Small, consistent actions from practitioners can become meaningful points of change in a person’s journey and that we, as practitioners, act as “carriers of hope”.

“The day left me with a sense of hope, reminding me that although change can feel slow, there is real passion and commitment to improving outcomes for women in the justice system.”

 

Turning insight into better practice

 

One of the strongest themes for me was the gap between evidence and everyday practice. Frontline staff are often working under pressure, with limited time for reflection or structured knowledge sharing.

 

That gap matters. Without connection, valuable learning stays local rather than shaping wider practice.

 

This is particularly true in Approved Premises (APs), where work is fast-paced, emotionally demanding, and often isolating.

 

Building stronger connections across Approved Premises

 

Following these discussions, I began working with Claire Rushton (HMPPS Insights Engagement Lead and former AP manager) on the co-development of APSN (Approved Premises Staff Network) with a current focus on the Female APSN which aims to create a dedicated space for practitioners across the female AP estate to connect, share knowledge and strengthen a collective, gender-responsive approach to our work.

 

Drawing on our backgrounds, we recognise the unique challenges, responsibilities and rewards that come with this work. By bringing professionals together, we believe that the network can strengthen both practice and staff wellbeing across services.

 

The aim is simple: to create a dedicated space for staff across both independent and public female APs to connect, reflect and share practice.

 

The network will:

• Provide a safe, supportive space for staff voice
• Enable shared learning across services and regions
• Improve consistency for women moving between AP placements
• Strengthen wellbeing through peer connection and reflection
• Support the exchange of practical tools, ideas and approaches

“By improving communication between practitioners, we can strengthen continuity for women and build more consistent, trauma-informed approaches across services. This is particularly valuable as the AP world is demanding, fast-paced and often leaves little time for reflection. By fostering open communication, we hope to build a strong sense of community among staff across female APs.”

 

Why collaboration between research and practice matters

 

Being part of this process has reinforced something I see every day in practice: meaningful change happens when research and frontline experience inform each other.

 

Researchers bring structure, evidence and wider system insight. Practitioners bring lived operational understanding of what works in real time, under real conditions.

 

Neither is enough on its own. When these perspectives are combined, services become more grounded, responsive, and effective.

 

To explore this further, you can read Interventions Alliance’s Annual Impact and Learning Report, which highlights how collaboration between research, practice, and lived experience is shaping service delivery and outcomes.

 

Final reflection

 

This experience has strengthened my belief in the value of listening, collaboration and shared learning across the sector.

 

For colleagues working in Approved Premises, my message is simple: keep talking to one another, keep sharing what works and keep valuing the insight that comes from everyday practice. That collective knowledge is one of our most powerful tools for change.

 

• Amelia’s co-authored article for the Special Edition Probation Journal will be out in September 2027.