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“Safe and supportive environment” at Quay House Approved Premises – rated ‘Outstanding’ following inspection 

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Quay House Approved Premises (AP) in Swansea has received an overall rating of ’Outstanding’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said: “This inspection outcome reflected a committed, skilled, and motivated team delivering high-quality work, with strong relationships between staff and residents. This positive culture was a real achievement and formed the foundation of effective rehabilitation and risk management.”

Inspectors found exceptional leadership at Quay House, where staff received regular support and guidance and were encouraged to reflect on challenges, share learning and make sound decisions.

The approved premises benefits from close partnerships with other services, including neighbourhood policing and local health providers. This strengthened both public protection and rehabilitation, and meant residents had access to a wide range of meaningful activities, alongside support with wellbeing, training, employment, and accommodation.  

The report noted there was unfortunately no substance misuse worker delivering from the AP, and that the building, while generally safe and decent, needed some improvement – raising both these points in its recommendations.

Mr Jones added: “This was a high-performing AP providing a strong and effective service to the public and to the residents who lived there. Staff should be proud of the real difference they are making to people’s lives, and we hope the recommendations in this report help strengthen the service even further.”

The Inspectorate’s report makes six recommendations. Three are for Quay House leadership team, including to strengthen the recording of rehabilitative activities, and to ensure continuity of substance misuse provision. Three recommendations are for HM Prison and Probation Service, including to improve the physical environment at Quay House, and to resolve delays in drug-testing results.

ENDS 

Notes to editor 

  1. Approved Premises (APs) are residential units which provide temporary placements in the community for high-risk and complex people on probation. They offer enhanced supervision and rehabilitative support to individuals following release from prison.
  2. Quay House AP in Swansea, Wales had a maximum occupancy of 27 males, aged 18 and over. At the end of our fieldwork in February 2026 there were 25 residents in placement.  
  3. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’, rating specific aspects of each service (for APs – leadership, staffing, safety, public protection, and rehabilitation) and giving an overall rating.
  4. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 11 May 2026 at 00.01.
  5. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
  6. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk