When people think about careers in the criminal justice sector, they often picture traditional routes – but for Josh, the path began with a desire to understand people, advocate for those who needed support and help create opportunities for change.

 

After studying Criminology at the University of Sunderland and volunteering as an Appropriate Adult in police custody, Josh joined Interventions Alliance as an Approved Premises (AP) Practitioner in Newcastle. 

 

Just six months after graduating, he is supporting residents as they transition from prison back into the community – helping them navigate the practical challenges of daily life, engage with services and take steps towards a more positive future. 

 

Understanding the person behind the offence 

 

Josh’s interest in the criminal justice system began around eight years ago, but it was his experience volunteering in custody that helped shape the direction of his career. 

 

As an Appropriate Adult with the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme, Josh supported vulnerable adults in police custody, particularly those with learning difficulties and/or mental health needs. 

 

The role involved advocating for individuals throughout their time in custody – helping them understand their rights, ensuring communication was clear and supporting fair interactions between vulnerable people and police officers. 

 

“Custody can be a very stressful environment for anyone, but for neurodivergent individuals it can be particularly confusing. They may not fully understand their rights or what is happening around them. I wanted to be an advocate for individuals who were already on an unfair footing.” 

 

Through this experience, Josh developed a deeper interest in what happens after someone enters the criminal justice system. 

 

“I found that rather than wanting to work within policing, I wanted to be part of the rehabilitative journey – supporting people to reintegrate into the community.” 

 

Discovering a career in Approved Premises 

 

Josh joined Interventions Alliance in December 2025, providing rehabilitative support for residents living in Approved Premises. 

 

His role involves helping residents access essential services such as Universal Credit, healthcare and community support, while also delivering interventions and helping people adjust to life with more freedom following release from prison. 

 

Before starting the role, Josh expected working in an AP to be more authoritarian, with staff keeping a greater distance from residents. 

 

“From the interventions we deliver and the way the office is positioned, it allows staff to have meaningful conversations and interactions that paint a bigger picture of the person’s daily life.” 

 

For Josh, this is what makes APs different. 

 

“We are not just an extension of probation. We provide supportive accommodation for residents while they are on licence and help them navigate their transition back into the community.” 

 

A role built on support, structure and accountability 

 

A typical day for Josh involves supporting residents with appointments, monitoring licence conditions, completing new resident inductions, supporting wellbeing needs and helping people engage with interventions. 

 

The role also involves managing risk and responding when residents breach their licence conditions. 

 

Josh describes working in an AP as becoming a “jack-of-all-trades”, requiring a combination of practical, psychological and emotional skills. 

 

“You have to have great computing, psychological and emotional skills. These are things that take time to develop.” 

 

One of the biggest challenges Josh has faced has been managing the recall process when a resident breaches their licence. 

 

“It was difficult navigating the paperwork, the time pressure and potentially telling someone they are being recalled. It’s something I have learned from and developed confidence in.” 

 

Having a supportive team has been essential. 

 

“With the magnitude of skills and knowledge required for the job, it is exceptionally important to have a great team behind you. Everyone brings their own skill set and there isn’t one question that someone won’t know the answer to.” 

 

The impact of small moments 

 

For Josh, the most rewarding part of the role is seeing how small acts of support can make a significant difference. 

 

He remembers supporting one resident who arrived at the AP feeling overwhelmed and anxious about getting basic things in place, including Universal Credit and medication. 

 

Josh helped him contact services, communicate with healthcare providers and find practical information, including local shops and prayer times. 

 

“When he left, he told me that I had made him feel incredibly comfortable while he was in the AP. That experience changed how I saw the role. We are not only assessing risk – we are also supporting residents as they transition into independent living. Both are incredibly important.” 

 

Josh has also been able to bring his own skills into the role, creating resources including weekly activity leaflets, a newsletter template and guidance documents for new staff. 

 

“I have always been quite introverted and shy, but through my studies, volunteering and now working at Interventions Alliance, I feel the most confident in myself I have ever felt.” 

 

A career with impact every day 

 

Josh describes working in an Approved Premises in three words: Challenging. Unpredictable. Fulfilling. 

 

For anyone who has never considered a career in an Approved Premises, Josh believes it offers a unique opportunity to see the impact of your work every day. 

 

“I would say it is the perfect job for anyone who wants to really get to know the daily lives of people who have been involved in the criminal justice system while they are in the community. You actively see how your work helps shape someone’s journey away from crime.” 

 

For Josh, the most important qualities for working in an AP are professional curiosity, confidence, patience and a willingness to listen. 

 

“Allowing residents to speak their mind is really important because we are here to support them.” 

 

While the role comes with challenges, Josh believes the opportunity to support people through a significant transition in their lives makes it incredibly rewarding. 

 

“Working in an Approved Premises gives you the chance to support people as they move forward, while also playing an important role in creating safer communities.” 

 

Josh’s journey from custody volunteer to Approved Premises practitioner demonstrates that there are many different routes into careers that make a difference – and that at the heart of effective rehabilitation is understanding people, building trust and supporting positive change. 

 

• If you’re interested in finding out more about a career in an Approved Premises – get in touch enquiries@interventionsalliance.co.uk