Source · IMB Annual Report
Dungavel House IRC
Year: 2021
Published: 5 Oct 2022
Type: IRC · Cat IRC
Population: 14
Recommendations: 5
Key concerns
Positive findings
Dungavel IRC was well-managed by both GEO and Mitie throughout 2021 despite COVID-19 challenges, treating residents fairly and safely. Healthcare provision was good, and a relaxed regime with ample activities was maintained due to low resident numbers. Key concerns included IMB member recruitment, high CSU temperatures, the need for a disability officer, and unresolved issues like staff negotiation training and parking.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Self-harm incidents | 3 | — |
Positive findings
The Board is satisfied that in 2021 residents were treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and that they stated that they felt safe and that their human rights were being respected. The centre was well managed by both GEO and Mitie despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The healthcare provision was good, and the centre offered a wide range of activities and communal areas, with staff fostering good relationships with residents.
Key concerns
Staffing
Recruitment of members is a serious problem for the IMB. Dungavel IRC is remote, with negligible public transport links.
Estate/Conditions
The temperature within the CSU was too high.
Equality/Diversity
As regards equality and diversity, consideration should be given to appointing a disability officer. Disability affects a high proportion of the population.
Staffing
Repeated
The training of staff in negotiating techniques needs to be put in place. We note that this has been hampered by Covid restrictions, but these have now relaxed.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The parking area needs to be expanded.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recruitment of members is a serious problem for the IMB. Dungavel IRC is remote, with negligible public transport links. There were three applicants in 2021 and they were interviewed in the summer. Two were recommended by the interviewers. By the end of 2021 neither had reached the stage of being able to visit the centre. We would recommend that the process of recruitment, vetting and training be accelerated in order to facilitate an increased number of Board members. | Home Office | |
| 2 | The temperature within the CSU was too high. This should have been reduced. | Governor / Director | |
| 3 | As regards equality and diversity, consideration should be given to appointing a disability officer. Disability affects a high proportion of the population. | Governor / Director | |
| 4 |
The training of staff in negotiating techniques needs to be put in place. We note that this has been hampered by Covid restrictions, but these have now relaxed.
Repeated
Response
This has not yet been addressed but we are told that Bronze Commander training has been scheduled and the participants will be invited to attend negotiating technique training. |
Governor / Director | |
| 5 |
The parking area needs to be expanded.
Repeated
Response
We are advised that the old training base, situated on the centre grounds, is being extensively refurbished and will house the vehicle base and escorting vehicles and that this will free up considerable parking in the car park. |
Governor / Director |
Related inspections & investigations
18 Aug 2025
HMIP · Unannounced
Safety 4
· Respect 4
· Activity 3
· Release 4
19 Jul 2021
HMIP · Unannounced
Safety 3
· Respect 3
· Activity 3
· Release 3
Other reports for Dungavel House IRC
Report details
- Establishment
- Dungavel House IRC
- Type
- IRC · Cat IRC
- Report year
- 2021
- Published
- 5 October 2022
- Responsible body
- Dungavel House IRC
- Recommendations
- 5
Population
| Population | 14 |
| Operational capacity | 125 |
| Time out of cell | 15.0h/day |
Service providers
Centre Management
GEO Group UK Ltd
Escort contractor
Mitie
Healthcare
Med-Co Secure Healthcare Ltd