Independent Approved Premises – Phase 1 London and North West Probation Service Regions

Approved Premises (APs) provide a critical community-based service to accommodate and manage high risk individuals serving community sentences and on release from custody. Provision of accommodation on release is a key factor in reducing reoffending and supporting transition into the community whilst reducing the need for prison places. There is currently 104 APs across England & Wales. Independent Approved Premises (IAPs) are run by independent contracted organisations. Providers charge a monthly contract for service fee for the 24-hour, 365 day Approved Premises services: their staff, service user costs, premises and facilities management. 15 of the current 104 APs in England & Wales are IAPs. The MoJ intends to run a competition in February 2024 for IAPs located in both London and the North West, with contracts starting on 1 April 2026. The IAPs will be single sex occupancy. Our Target Operating Model (TOM) will be shared with bidders and details our property requirements. Operationally our preference is for each IAP to provide between 15 and 35 bed spaces.