The centre encourages activities and provides facilities to preserve and promote the mental and physical well-being of detainees.

Access to activities

65. Detainees have regular and equitable access to facilities and activities that meet their needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • Activities and facilities provide physical and mental stimulation. They include suitable outdoor activities.
  • Activities are available every day, including in the evenings.
  • Detainees are free to move throughout the centre. Any restrictions are justified by clear evidence of risk.
  • Detainees are not prevented from taking part in activities or using facilities as a result of scheduling conflicts.
  • There is a good range of recreational activities and facilities.
  • Detainees have easy access to outside areas and fresh air, which is restricted only on the basis of assessed risks.

Education and work

66. Detainees benefit from learning and skills provision that meets their needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • Learning and skills provision promotes the mental and physical well-being of detainees.
  • Detainees are able to develop skills that will be useful to them after release or removal.
  • Detainees have access to a range of classes, training and creative pursuits. They include English and classes that promote relaxation and self-expression.
  • The range, frequency, quantity and quality of courses are sufficient to meet differing needs, including those of detainees held for short and long periods, and detainees with protected characteristics.
  • Detainees can complete both short and, where appropriate, more substantial, units of education and training.
  • Tutors and managers have suitable expertise.
  • Effective arrangements assure and improve the quality of learning and skills provision.

67. A suitable and sufficient range of paid work is available to detainees.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • All detainees are able to undertake paid work within the centre during the working day.
  • Detainees are not deprived of the positive physical and mental health benefits of work unless there is clear evidence of risk.
  • Compliance or non-compliance with immigration enforcement staff does not influence access to work.
  • Recruitment is timely, transparent and appropriate.
  • Pay rates are equitable.
  • Detainees receive suitable training for their work roles.

Library provision

68. Detainees have regular access to a suitable library and learning resources that meet their needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • Detainees can visit the library every day, including at weekends.
  • The library provides an opportunity for research, learning and social interaction in an informal, relaxed setting.
  • Library resources enable detainees to find out about the situation in destination countries.
  • Suitably skilled staff are on hand to help detainees make the best use of the library.
  • The quantity and quality of library materials is sufficient to meet the needs of the detainee population. This includes books, newspapers, dictionaries, CDs and DVDs in languages that correspond with the major languages and national groups in the population.
  • Detainees have sufficient time to use library materials if they are unable to take them away from the library.

Fitness provision

69. Fitness provision is safe and meets the needs of all detainees.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • Detainees have the opportunity to use the fitness facilities every day and are able to shower safely after each session.
  • The range of fitness activities is varied and meets the needs of the population.
  • Fitness staff have appropriate qualifications and expertise.
  • Before first using the fitness facilities or undertaking strenuous exercise all detainees are assessed by health services staff and the information made readily available to fitness staff.
  • Effective joint working between gym staff and health/substance misuse staff supports safe gym use for all detainees.
  • Detainees who use the fitness facilities can access appropriate and clean clothing.
  • Records of accidents and injuries are monitored regularly and appropriate action is taken.

Human rights standards

Access to activities
In relation to expectation 65 above: Human rights standards require detainees to be allowed to participate in activities that allow social interaction and meet their welfare needs. Freedom of movement should be restricted as little as possible. See EPR 25; SMR 105; CPT 5.

Education and work
In relation to expectations 66 and 67 above: Human rights standards are clear that detainees must be provided with access to educational programmes that meet their needs and aspirations. See ICESCR 13; SMR 104; EPR 28; UNHCR–DG 8[48(xiii)]; CPT 5.

In addition, human rights standards require detainees to be provided with adequate opportunities to undertake work should they so choose, for which they must receive remuneration. See ISCECR 6, 7; SMR 96-99, 101–103, 116; EPR 26.

Library provision
In relation to expectation 68 above: Human rights standards require places of detention to have an adequately stocked library. See SMR 63, 64; EPR 28.5; UNHCR–DG 8[48(xii)].

Fitness provision
In relation to expectation 69 above: Human rights standards recognise the need for detainees to be able to safely undertake adequate exercise and maintain their fitness. See SMR 23; EPR 25, 27; UNHCR–DG 8[48(viii)]; CPT 5.