Source · IMB Annual Report
Dungavel House IRC
Year: 2020
Published: 22 Jun 2021
Type: IRC · Cat IRC
Population: 30
Recommendations: 4
Key concerns
Positive findings
Dungavel House IRC successfully managed its operations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with no detainee infections and staff commended for their resilience. Detainees report feeling safe, benefiting from good healthcare, a relaxed regime, and improved escort services. However, concerns persist regarding the length of detention, roof access, staff training, parking, and gate upgrades.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Self-harm incidents | 9 | — |
| Prisoner assaults | 2 | — |
| Assaults on staff | 6 | — |
Positive findings
The Board commends GEO management and staff for effectively managing the IRC well during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no detainee infections and only community transmission among staff. Detainees are treated fairly and humanely, reporting that they feel safe and respected. Healthcare provision is good, offering a full range of services, and a marked improvement in the relationship and transport provision from Mitie is welcomed. Excellent provision was made during Ramadan, demonstrating respect for protected characteristics.
Key concerns
Other
The detainees’ main concerns relate to the length of detention and the uncertainty of their futures.
Safety
Repeated
consideration should be given to installing robust preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detainees. This would help towards the safety of detainees and staff.
Staffing
Repeated
Some staff should be trained in negotiating techniques.
Estate/Conditions
The escorting contract is held by Mitie who have an office and a vehicle base in the car park of the centre. This by default, has led to a much reduced number of parking bays for GEO staff and visitors. This must be addressed.
Estate/Conditions
During 2020 there was an issue with the electronics of the inner pedestrian gate... The Board strongly recommends that this gate be upgraded.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Admissions arrive at any time day or night. Detainees often arrive very late at night from Edinburgh airport, only to be taken back there early in the morning for assessment. The Board is closely monitoring the number of late arrivals and departures.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The board repeats its recommendation from its 2019 report that consideration should be given to installing robust preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detainees. This would help towards the safety of detainees and staff. Repeated | Governor / Director | |
| 2 | Some staff should be trained in negotiating techniques. Repeated | Governor / Director | |
| 3 | The escorting contract is held by Mitie who have an office and a vehicle base in the car park of the centre. This by default, has led to a much reduced number of parking bays for GEO staff and visitors. This must be addressed. | Governor / Director | |
| 4 | The centre is secured by a fence and gates. During 2020 there was an issue with the electronics of the inner pedestrian gate. The Board strongly recommends that this gate be upgraded. | Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation including laundry, showers | 0 | 0 |
| Equality | 0 | 0 |
| Escorts | 0 | 0 |
| Finance including detainees’ centre accounts | 0 | 0 |
| Food and kitchens | 0 | 0 |
| Health including physical, mental, social care | 0 | 0 |
| Issues relating to detainees’ immigration case, including access to legal advice | 0 | 0 |
| Letters, faxes, visits, phones, internet access | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 2 |
| Property during transfer or in another establishment or location | 1 | 1 |
| Property within centre | 0 | 0 |
| Purposeful activity including education, paid work, training, library, other activities | 0 | 0 |
| Staff/detainee conduct, including bullying | 0 | 0 |
| Use of force, removal from association | 0 | 0 |
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
- 2020
- Published
- 22 June 2021
- Responsible body
- Dungavel House IRC
- Recommendations
- 4
Population
| Population | 30 |
| Operational capacity | 125 |
| Time out of cell | 15.0h/day |
Service providers
Escorting
Mitie Care and Custody (Mitie)
Healthcare
Med-Co Secure Healthcare Ltd (Med-Co)
Management/Operator
GEO Group UK Ltd (GEO)