Staffing Crisis Leads to Closure of Probation Hostels Across England and Wales

Approximately 10% of probation hostels in England and Wales, which provide supervised accommodation for high-risk offenders post-release, have been temporarily closed due to a severe staffing shortage, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Ministers are preparing for the early release of thousands of inmates in September, but a leaked memo revealed that “staffing challenges” have compelled the closure of these critical “approved premises.” The MoJ confirmed that nine out of 105 such facilities are currently non-operational, with untrained security guards sometimes filling in for probation staff who are in short supply. No timeline for reopening the closed hostels has been announced.

Martin Jones, HM Inspector of Probation, warned that the closures and inadequate staffing pose risks to public safety. “Approved premises are where the highest-risk individuals go after release, and it is critical to maintain sufficient capacity and ensure properly trained staff are in place. Using security guards instead risks serious incidents,” he stated.

These hostels supervise approximately 2,000 high-risk offenders, many of whom have drug and alcohol dependencies and complex mental health needs. Residents typically stay for 8–12 weeks and can be recalled to prison for non-compliance with testing or searches. Staff must respond rapidly to threats of violence, self-harm, and overdoses.

Insiders attribute the crisis to heightened stress levels and the termination of contracts with private firms Sodexo and OCS, which previously provided overnight coverage. A probation manager stated, “They’ve known this was coming for 18 months. We’ve not been supported to put staffing in place. The closures mean dangerous individuals don’t get beds—someone will get hurt because they didn’t get a hostel bed.”

Another insider described the working conditions as “no room for mistakes,” citing constant risk from residents attempting self-harm or harming others, which has driven many staff to stress-related absences.

Senior MoJ officials have been alerted to the staffing issues. In an email, interim HMPPS director Michelle Jarman-Howe acknowledged the challenges, noting staff had “stepped up at short notice to maintain safe services.”

A union survey found 16 out of 21 hostel staff had recently observed security guards performing duties usually handled by probation professionals. Union general secretary Ian Lawrence criticized the use of untrained personnel, stating, “Our approved premises estate needs significant investment. The use of security guards is totally unacceptable—they are neither qualified nor equipped to work with probation clients.”

Recent inspections by the probation watchdog identified “serious safeguarding concerns” at Weston Approved Premises in Weymouth, including lapses in overdose checks, suicide protocols, and faulty surveillance systems.

The MoJ acknowledged continuing to deploy security guards as interim measures but emphasized efforts to expand bed availability for high-risk offenders and enhance community supervision through increased monitoring and restrictions. The department noted a £700 million investment in probation services to strengthen post-release management.

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