Celebrating an Outstanding Inspection Result for Elizabeth Fry Approved Premises

The Elizabeth Fry Charity is delighted to announce that Elizabeth Fry Approved Premises (AP) has achieved an Outstanding rating in every area assessed by HM Inspectorate of Probation. Inspectors awarded the service the highest possible rating for Leadership and Governance, Staffing, Safety, Public Protection, and Rehabilitation, making Elizabeth Fry AP the first Approved Premises to receive an Outstanding rating across all standards under the current inspection programme.

The inspection report, published by HM Inspectorate of Probation, describes Elizabeth Fry AP as an “exceptional service delivering high-quality support to women in the criminal justice system” and highlights the impact of strong leadership, specialist provision, effective partnership working and the dedication of staff.

In his foreword, HM Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones CBE highlighted the service as a model of effective, compassionate and person-centred practice, commending the leadership team and staff for their dedication and the high standards they have achieved.

Throughout the report, inspectors recognised the professionalism, commitment and expertise of the Elizabeth Fry team. They highlighted the quality of relationships between staff and residents, the organisation’s trauma-informed approach, the strength of its specialist support services, and a culture that prioritises both resident wellbeing and staff development.

The report noted that staff were skilled, caring and responsive to individual need, and that day-to-day practice consistently reflected the Charity’s values of dignity, respect, fairness and belief in every individual’s capacity to change.

Fiona Humphreys, Chief Executive Officer of Elizabeth Fry Charity, said:

“We are incredibly proud of this outcome and grateful to every member of staff, trustee volunteer and partner who has contributed to it. This report recognises not only the quality of the service we provide, but the values that underpin our work every day. It reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our team and their unwavering commitment to supporting women to build safer, more positive futures.”

This inspection outcome represents an important milestone for the Charity and provides independent recognition of the impact that a specialist, gender-responsive and trauma-informed approach can have in supporting women in the criminal justice system.

Read the full HM Inspectorate of Probation report:https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/document/an-inspection-of-elizabeth-fry-approved-premises-2026/