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“Significant progress made” at Fleming House AP, rated ‘Good’ following inspection

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Fleming House Approved Premises (AP) in Maidstone has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Inspectors found that leaders at the approved premises, a psychologically informed planned environment (PIPE), had made significant progress in stabilising the service and strengthening public protection arrangements. A temporary area manager, appointed to lead a programme of improvement, had provided clear direction during a period of significant change, with staff and partners describing their leadership as visible, supportive and determined.

Inspectors highlighted effective partnership working between probation and NHS staff as a key strength, helping to create a more stable and therapeutic environment for residents. They also found effective public protection arrangements, supported by strong partnership working and timely information sharing, which should provide reassurance to the local community.

However, the report notes that the service remains in transition. Weaknesses in recording, gaps in staff training affecting aspects of practice, and limited staffing resilience were identified as areas requiring further attention. Several recommendations extend beyond the premises itself, reflecting the overstretched management capacity under which local leaders had been operating while delivering a substantial programme of change.

HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones CBE, said: “The progress made at Fleming House reflects the commitment of staff and partners across the service to improving outcomes for residents. However, change of this scale takes time, and Fleming House has not yet reached the point where its transformation can be regarded as complete. Ensuring that this progress is sustained, and that the service retains the capacity and leadership needed to continue its improvement journey, will be critical to its future success.”

The Inspectorate’s report makes nine recommendations. Three of these are for the Fleming House leadership team, including to ensure that all staff complete mandatory and role-specific training and that effective oversight arrangements are in place to monitor compliance and address gaps in knowledge and practice. Six recommendations are for His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, including to determine future leadership arrangements at Fleming House, ensuring that decisions are informed by the progress achieved to date and are communicated clearly to staff.

ENDS 

Notes to editor 

  1. Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, is available for interview to expand on the report’s findings. Please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk
  2. 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.
  3. Fleming House is a psychologically informed planned environment (PIPE) AP.
  4. At the time of our inspection in September, Fleming House had 26 residents in placement.
  5. 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.
  6. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 04 November 2026 at 00.01.
  7. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
  8. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk