Safety statistics
Incidents during reporting year
Positive findings
AI-generated summary
The Board is satisfied that Dungavel House is a safe environment, where detainees are treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and human rights are respected. Staff maintain good relationships with residents, fostering a safe, open, and relaxed regime. Healthcare provision is good, with daily GP access, NHS psychiatrist support, and no waiting list for Rule 35 assessments. Food quality is excellent, with dietary needs well-catered for, and facilities like a family dining area and free visitor taxi service are appreciated.
Key concerns
4 items
Safety
Repeated
Incidents of residents climbing on to the roof remains an occurrence. The Board continues to recommend that preventative measures be put in place to stop this, which remains an issue due to the accessibility of the fire escape stair.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Detainees often arrive very late at night from Edinburgh airport only to be taken back there early in the morning for assessment, which is due to the lack of suitable, overnight, accommodation at the airport, leading to concerns about frequent night arrivals and departures.
Safety
During the year one resident was able to escape from Dungavel.
Other
No further members were recruited during 2023.
Recommendations
2 items · 2 repeated
Addressee: Governor / Director
As has been mentioned in previous reports, consideration should be given to installing robust preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detained persons. This would help towards the safety of residents and staff. This remains an issue due to the accessibility of the fire escape stair.
Repeated
Source text verified
ResponseMitie will always consider and review areas to improve, specifically around our security measures. During the course of the year, numerous efforts have been made to improve the security infrastructure of the establishment. Barbed wire has previously been considered as a preventative measure; however it is recognised that internally, within the perimeter, this can have a detrimental impact on the residents. Mitie have anti climb paint in areas of the establishment where potential at height risks may occur, as well as improved CCTV systems and coverage. Increased staffing numbers ensure Mitie have appropriate levels of patrols as well as opportunities to further deploy people, should any potential risk be present. Further to this, the security team work closely with a number of external authorities, which contributes to the building up and gathering of information and intelligence around the custodial estate.
Recorded status:
Topic: Safety
Addressee: Governor / Director
As per last year's report, the expansion of the car park requires to be prioritised as visitor numbers may increase.
Repeated
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Estate
Related inspections & investigations
1 Sep 2025
HMIP · Unannounced
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