Intervention Alliance’s accommodation for women leaving prison has been awarded an overall “outstanding” rating following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

 

Eden House Approved Premises for women was hailed by inspectors as an exemplar for the rehabilitative culture it expects to see in such facilities.

 

Approved Premises are residential units providing a temporary placement in the community for high-risk and complex people on probation and offer enhanced supervision and rehabilitative support to people following their release from prison.

 

They have two main roles: to help rehabilitate and resettle those who have committed some of the most serious offences and to make sure that the public are protected during someone’s early months in the community.

 

One of only eight female Approved Premises operating in England and Wales, Eden House was the first women’s Approved Premises to be inspected under a new regime focussed on how well such centres protect the public and promote rehabilitation.

 

Inspectors rate premises against five standards which contribute both to effective service delivery, and areas that residents say are important to them.

 

While achieving an overall “outstanding” rating, Eden House also ranked as “outstanding” against the standards of leadership, public protection, and rehabilitation and “good” for staffing and safety.

 

The 26-bed Bristol-based operation was described as having impressive leadership and an extensive rehabilitative offer for residents.

 

The “distinctive approach” in place at Eden House included strong values underpinning its work with women, delivered by a highly skilled and stable team.

 

Highlights from inspectors included:

• People working at Eden House showed a deep understanding of the specific needs of women in the justice system and delivered high-quality, trauma-informed, gender-responsive services tailored to individual circumstances.

• Eden House fostered a cohesive, compassionate, and inclusive culture that promoted mutual respect and psychological safety. Staff and residents were treated with dignity and care, supported by leadership that encouraged openness, transparency, and shared learning across the team.

• There was strong overall partnership working with the local policing team, healthcare providers, and several specialist services that delivered targeted interventions.

 

Interventions Alliance CEO Suki Binning said:

 

“Eden House was the first new Approved Premises to be established in over 30 years and to receive an outstanding inspection outcome reflects just how impressive the team has been in setting up a supportive environment for women, helping them to make informed choices and take ownership of decisions affecting their lives.

 

“We are proud to be regarded as an exemplar in rehabilitative culture and look forward to working with many others in the field of providing effective practice in this area.”

 

Eden House Approved Premises manager Rowena Davies said:

 

“At Eden House we work hard to develop effective relationships with a range of community organisations to manage risk and create meaningful opportunities for our residents.

 

“Our skilled team is dedicated to making a difference to the women we work with by providing a caring and inclusive environment. They help to monitor and address risks and help support our residents to improve their lives, rehabilitate and reintegrate into the community.” 

 

You can read the full report from HMIP.

 

The outstanding rating for Eden House comes after the Royal College of Psychiatrists awarded the premises an enabling environment accreditation earlier this year. In 2022, Eden House also received a European award for public protection.