Who We Are
Progress to Change – Independent Approved Premises in Leeds
Progress to Change is a registered charity that provides high-quality accommodation and support for men and women in the criminal justice system.
We run two Approved Premises in Leeds:
- Cardigan House – for men
- Ripon House - A specialist female-only Approved Premises
We support people on release from prison and in some circumstances under court-imposed bail conditions. Our services are trauma-informed, psychologically informed, and rooted in the belief that people can change when they are met with both support and challenge.
A Charity with Purpose
As a charitable organisation, we exist to reduce reoffending, promote rehabilitation, and protect the public.
We are governed by a skilled and passionate Board of Trustees who bring a wealth of expertise from many backgrounds and disciplines. Their leadership helps ensure our organisation stays focused, ethical and forward-thinking.
“Our Trustees play a pivotal role. Without their insight, challenge, and unwavering support, none of our work would be possible.”
— Clare Maguire, CEO
What We Offer
- Safe, structured accommodation with 24/7 staffing
- Curfews, licence monitoring and robust risk management
- 1:1 keywork sessions focused on accountability and progress
- Support with housing, mental health, addiction and employment
- A trauma-informed, gender-responsive approach
- Consistent staff teams who build trust and maintain boundaries
Why Our Work Matters
The people we support face complex challenges:
- 70%+ experience poor mental health
- Many are homeless, isolated, or at risk on release
- High levels of trauma, substance misuse and offending history
- Some are managed under MAPPA or serious risk frameworks
Without the right support, these transitions can be unsafe or unsuccessful. We step in when it matters most.
Our Residents’ Voices
“Cardigan House gave me structure when I had none. They didn’t just monitor me—they helped me find direction.”
— Former Male Resident
“I came in with nothing but a bag and some fear. I left with a plan, a support network, and hope.”
— Former Female Resident
“This place helped me realise that I am not defined by the worst thing I’ve ever done."
— Former Resident
2024 Impact Highlights
📊 Across both sites:
- ✅ 86% of residents completed their placement successfully
- ✅ 72% moved into safe housing on exit
- ✅ 96% engaged with specialist support services
- ✅ 97% said staff treated them with dignity and respect
- ✅ 100% had access to emotional or practical support
Trusted by Partners
We work closely with:
- Probation and HMPPS
- Police Public Protection Units
- Forensic and community mental health teams
- Addiction services and housing providers
- Voluntary sector organisations and women's centres
“Progress to Change is a cornerstone of public protection in Leeds. They manage risk well and keep communication open.”
— Probation Practitioner
I’ve enjoyed working at Progress to Change since 2011. As a CIMA qualified accountant, my role as Finance Manager includes ensuring that our funding and budgeting across both premises is managed effectively, to ensure we provide best use of all the resources available to us. I enjoy a varied role, working as part of the team in the office as well as interacting with numerous contractors, Trustees and colleagues. 
I joined Progress to Change in January 2016, initially serving as the Operational Manager at Cardigan House. In April 2022, I transitioned to Ripon House as the Operational Lead, before stepping into my current role as CEO in April 2024.
I joined Progress to Change as operations manager at Cardigan House in March 2022. Prior to joining Progress to Change I qualified as a Probation Officer in 2004, completing a BA degree in Probation Studies to do so. I worked for the Probation Service for 18 years in a variety of frontline settings and I had also previously worked at Cardigan House on a relief basis so I already had a good knowledge of the building and many of the processes.
Alastair joined the charity as a trustee in September 2017 and in September 2022 was elected as its chair.
Prior to joining Progress to Change, I worked across the voluntary sector, NHS and