Positive findings
AI-generated summary
The facilities generally provide a safe environment for detained individuals, with inductions carried out with humanity and dignity. The Board has observed detainees being treated humanely, professionally, and with courtesy by Care & Custody officers. Manchester Residential STHF received letters of appreciation regarding treatment, and transfers between facilities are handled with dignity.
Key concerns
4 items
Healthcare
Repeated
The Board remains concerned that detained individuals are still being denied access to their prescribed medication while in holding rooms, and, again, urges the Home Office to expedite their proposed solution.
Healthcare
Only Manchester RSTHF has a medical professional on duty full time; all other facilities need to rely on services of the National Health ambulance service if medical advice is needed, which adds pressure to the ambulance service.
Other
Repeated
The Board has not had access to airside areas at Manchester and Birmingham Airports for the whole of 2021 due to persistent issues with the issuance of airside passes, preventing unannounced visits.
Other
The Board intends to instigate a recruitment campaign Q4 or Q1 2022, and upon completion will be making recommendations for appointment. The Board seeks assurance from the minister that those recommended will be appointed without delay, otherwise the viability of the board will be compromised.
Recommendations
5 items · 2 repeated
Addressee: Home Office
For the fourth year in succession, the Board repeats its concern at the lack of proper procedures which would allow DCOs or other qualified personnel to provide detained individuals with access to their prescribed medication. The Board continues to note that the welfare of detained individuals has been adversely affected by this situation. This occurs particularly in holding rooms and reporting centres. The Board understands that a process has begun to address this issue but is disappointed as to the amount of time that is being taken to solve this problem.
Repeated
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Healthcare
Addressee: Home Office
The Board, while in discussions with the Home Office and the Secretariat regarding the issuance of airside passes for access to airports within our area, understands that the CAA has issued a directive nominating the IMB as a compliance authority which will allow the Secretariat to process those applications. Due to the bureaucracy within each airport’s management system regarding the issuance of airside passes, the Secretariat is in the process of setting up and assigning resources to ensure that they become the body nationally capable of applying for airside passes at all airports within the United Kingdom. A national solution needs to be found and the Board therefore urges the minister to use their influence with national airport authorities in expediting this matter.
Repeated
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other
Addressee: Home Office
The Board intends to instigate a recruitment campaign Q4 or Q1 2022, and upon completion will be making recommendations for appointment. The Board seeks assurance from the minister that those recommended will be appointed without delay, otherwise the viability of the board will be compromised.
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other
Addressee: Home Office
Continue the constructive engagement with the Board and continue to attend the monthly meetings.
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other
Addressee: Other — other
Continue the constructive engagement with the Board and continue to attend the monthly meetings.
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other