Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

Bridgewood Approved Premises in Northampton, rated ‘Requires improvement’ following inspection 

Published:

Bridgewood Approved Premises (AP) in Northampton has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.  

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said: “While we found committed staff who were working hard to support residents in challenging circumstances, the service was too reliant on the efforts of individual staff rather than being supported by strong systems and processes.” 

Inspectors were concerned over the staffing picture at Bridgewood and highlighted concerns over the workplace culture, training gaps and inconsistent supervision. These weaknesses contributed to inconsistent information sharing, record keeping, and failures to complete essential tasks.  

Suicide and self-harm assessments had fallen short of expected standards in the previous six months, with varying quality and important information not always reflected in case records. While inspectors were assured there were some mitigating systems, the gaps in these assessments were limiting the reliability of risk management within the AP. 

Mr Jones continued, “The risks identified during this inspection require timely and sustained action. We will reinspect Bridgewood AP within 12 months to assess whether the service has made sufficient progress.” 

The Inspectorate’s report makes 11 recommendations. Eight are for the Bridgewood leadership team, including to ensure all residents receive timely assessments of suicide and self-harm risks. Three recommendations are for HM Prison and Probation Service, including to ensure the AP is staffed and resourced adequately at all times, with arrangements that provide safe operational cover and prevent risks arising from staffing shortfalls. 

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. 
  1. At the time of our inspection in January 2026, Bridgewood had 17 residents in placement.  
  1. 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. 
  1. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 25 February 2026 at 00.01. 
  1. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.  
  1. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk