Good outcomes have been maintained for detainees at Dungavel and detainees were positive about their treatment but there were concerns about casework processes, said Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons. Today he published the report of an unannounced inspection of the immigration removal centre in Lanarkshire.

Dungavel House holds up to 249 detainees, a small number of whom (14) are women. It is the only such centre in Scotland. Previous inspections have reported on good outcomes for detainees and this more recent inspection found these positive outcomes were maintained. Inspectors’ main concern was about matters that were largely outside of the control of the contractor, namely some very long periods in detention and some decisions to maintain detention of very vulnerable detainees. It is to the centre’s credit that detainees described their treatment in Dungavel in very positive terms.

Inspectors were pleased to find that:

• Dungavel was a safe place and detainees received a supportive welcome in their early days and were given help to deal with immediate problems;
• security was applied proportionately, violence was low, those at risk of self-harm were well cared for and force was rarely used;
• there were comprehensive safeguarding and child protection arrangements in place and access to legal support was better than inspectors usually see;
• the environment was relaxed, relationships between staff and detainees were excellent and there was good consultation with various groups and nationalities;
• detainees had excellent access to the grounds and facilities and the information and learning centre was welcoming; and
• welfare support had improved further and detainees could get help seven days a week.

However, inspectors were concerned to find that:

• some extended stays resulted from avoidable casework delays, a situation compounded by the variable quality of Rule 35 reports, which are meant to address whether detention is likely to be injurious to a detainee’s health and to address the potential experience of torture in the detainee’s home country;
• escort contractors continued to transport detainees during the night, which was poor practice; and
• the small number of women were held in a separate unit staffed by women officers, and although their individual needs were being met, there was no specific policy that could have provided ongoing assurance of appropriate strategic oversight and accountability.

Nick Hardwick said:

“At recent inspections we have reported on good outcomes for detainees at this institution and these positive outcomes were maintained. Indeed, our main concern was about matters that were largely outside of the control of the contractor, namely some very long periods of detention and some decisions to maintain detention of very vulnerable detainees. These included a documented victim of torture and a woman with serious health issues. It is to the centre’s credit that in our confidential survey and discussions with detainees, they nevertheless described their treatment in Dungavel in positive terms.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Read the report.
2. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment, and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
3. Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre detains people subject to immigration control. It is operated under contract to the Home Office by GEO Group Ltd.
4. This unannounced inspection was carried out from 9-20 February 2015.
5. Please contact Jane Parsons in HM Inspectorate of Prisons Press Office on 020 3681 2775 or 07880 787452 if you would like more information or to request an interview.