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“Culture of collaboration” at Plas Y Wern Approved Premises in Wrexham, rated ‘Good’ following inspection

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Plas Y Wern Approved Premises (AP) in Wrexham has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said: “Plas Y Wern had a strong culture of collaboration and learning, and staff were committed to delivering a high-quality service. Residents told us they felt safe and spoke positively about the support they received.”

The report highlights that risks of harm were managed well, and public protection arrangements were robust. Examples of enforcement decision making and recording from the three months leading up to the inspection evidenced good practice in this area, and poor compliance or potential behaviours of concern were discussed in handover meetings which were recorded accurately.

However, inspectors did find some areas in need of improvement. Some case recording of rehabilitative work and drug and alcohol testing was found to be inconsistent, and the physical environment at Plas Y Wern was cramped, with room sharing arrangements causing anxiety for some residents.

Mr Jones continued, “As we have seen in so many of our AP inspections, staffing shortages have again placed immense pressure on the team and created a risk of staff burnout. I again call on His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to urgently complete the review of staffing, resourcing and recruitment procedures for APs.”

The Inspectorate’s report makes seven recommendations. Five are for the Plas Y Wern leadership team, including to address deficits in the quality of case recording, particularly records relating to drug and alcohol testing and rehabilitative work. Two recommendations are for HM Prison and Probation service, including to urgently complete the review of staffing, resourcing, and recruitment procedures for APs to promote safe and rehabilitative practice.

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. At the time of our inspection in November 2025, Plas Y Wern had 21 residents in placement, although this number fluctuated slightly throughout the week due to planned departures and new arrivals.
  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 25 February 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