Why Independent Approved Premises Matter More Than Ever

In the UK, men leaving prison often face a harsh reality: a system that has failed to prepare them for life beyond the gate. Many arrive at our doors with untreated mental health conditions, no medication, no ID, no bank account -and no clear path forward. These are not just practical challenges; they are barriers to dignity, stability, and hope.

At SIG Penrose Drive, we are working to change that.

Since opening in July 2022, our mission has been to provide a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where men under license can begin to heal, grow, and reintegrate into society. We offer 24/7 accommodation and intensive support, bridging the critical gap between custody and community life. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves opportunity, and the proper support to make it count.

We are proud to operate within the Enabling Environments Standards Framework, led by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. In November 2023, we achieved certification for nine out of ten standards, and this year, we underwent our second assessment. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive; we were described as “inspirational” and the benchmark for all Approved Premises (APs). This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and our commitment to continuous improvement for both our staff and residents.

Our approach is deeply psychologically informed. We are fortunate to have an in-house forensic psychologist available to staff and residents four days a week. Part of their role is to conduct third-stage inductions with every new resident, identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring tailored mental health support from day one. This is vital in ensuring that all residents are assessed and receive the correct support from the moment they arrive in the service. Staff also receive clinical supervision every six weeks, adding an essential layer of care and reflection to our practice.

We also believe in the power of purposeful activity. Residents engage in at least two activities daily, from museum visits to football matches. Every two weeks, we organise community trips- to the zoo, the British Museum, and the Imperial War Museum, helping residents reconnect with the world beyond our walls. We’ve built a culture of inclusion and engagement, where staff and residents bond through shared experiences, including a three-day-a-week gym membership, meditation, cooking and writing classes. In November 2025, SIG Penrose proudly won in two categories at the Rehabilitative Activities Awards and came runner-up in two other categories. This showcases our commitment to rehabilitative activities at SIG Penrose Drive.

Our Activities Co-Ordinator plays a vital role in this, facilitating access to job training, mentoring through Change for Good, and supporting residents with essentials like ID and banking through our partnership with St Giles Trust. Providing residents with clothing and food vouchers ensures that everyone has the necessities that they need. We host weekly breakfast clubs, coffee mornings, forums and weekend leisure centre access to promote wellbeing and community connection. This, along with our therapeutic cleaning roles, which employ three residents during their stay, entails cleaning and completing tasks within the AP.

Despite our successes, we face real challenges. Due to prison overcrowding, placements have been reduced from 12 weeks to just eight. This means less time to build trust, address trauma, and prepare residents for independent living. Half of our referrals arrive within seven days of release, leaving little time for pre-arrival planning, which is often a vital step in ensuring a smooth transition.

Yet, even under pressure, our team continues to deliver. Over the past year, we supported 197 residents, with 140 successfully moving on to independent or supported accommodation, resulting in a 71% success rate. Our KPIs consistently remain above target, and we are the only AP in London to receive “no actions required” in every MOJ quarterly audit this year.

We are also expanding our community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. This year, we launched a proactive outreach programme to visit prisons quarterly, helping potential residents understand what to expect and easing the anxiety of transition. We’ve partnered with King’s College London, hosting psychology placement students who support our forensic psychologist and contribute to research that will be published later this year.

We’re producing a resident-led collection of poems, stories, and artwork, a powerful testament to the voices and journeys within our walls. These creative expressions will be shared with stakeholders and serve as inspiration for current and future residents. We’re also developing case studies to highlight individual success stories and the transformative impact of our service.

Following our successful Open Day in November 2024, we’re deepening relationships with local charities and service providers, attending community events, and fostering collaboration across the sector. We’ve also become a Voter Registration Champion, empowering residents to participate in civic life and have their voices heard.

Collaboration with other APs is another cornerstone of our growth. We actively visit other APs to learn from their practices and welcome them to SIG Penrose Drive to share our own. This spirit of openness and mutual learning strengthens the entire network and improves outcomes for all.

And the impact is real. As one Probation Officer recently shared:“Your staff have been incredible. One of my most challenging clients is now the most settled and well-behaved I’ve ever seen him. The structure, boundaries, and support at Penrose Drive have made all the difference. I’ll be sending plenty more your way!”

SIG Penrose Drive is not a custodial setting, it’s a place of possibility. We believe in opportunities, in the power of relationships, and in the importance of treating every person with respect and compassion. Our work is hard, but it’s necessary. And it’s making a difference.

To those we support: you are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are capable of change.

To those who support us: thank you for believing in our work.

Together, we are building something powerful, a place where healing begins, and hope is restored.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Social Interest Group. Any content our bloggers or authors provide is their opinion and is written to promote discussion and raise awareness of topics.