Mandatory comprehensive Rule 34 and Rule 35 training
The Home Office (in collaboration with NHS England as required) must ensure that comprehensive training on Rule 34 and Rule 35 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001 is rolled out urgently across the immigration detention estate. Staff must be subject to refresher training, at least annually. Attendance must be mandatory for all staff working in immigration removal centres and those responsible for managing them, as well as GPs and relevant Home Office staff. Consideration must be given as to whether such training should be subject to an assessment.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe Home Office is reviewing the Adults at Risk policy and Detention Centre Rules 34 and 35. NHS England is developing interim clinical guidance to support GPs on Rule 35 assessments, with full training to follow once the review concludes.
Progress Timeline
Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'On track for closure by summer 2025.'
HMIP unannounced inspection of Brook House (August 2024, published 18 November 2024): safety rated 'not sufficiently good'; assaults on staff rose from 14 to 80; 35% of detainees reported suicidal feelings. Follow-up review (July 2025, published 1 September 2025) found some improvement in staffing, stabilised violence, and better drug control.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Rule 35 appointments taking up to 3 weeks - far too long. Routine failure to submit reports for suicidal detainees. Home Office identification of vulnerabilities inadequate.
View detailed findings
Based on Independent Review of Progress visit in August 2025, following up 13 concerns from August 2024 inspection. Brook House run by Serco held 192 detainees at time of visit.
Inquiry Chair Kate Eves described government response as "inadequate" and called for a "reset" with the new government. Warned abuse "becomes a question of when, not if" it happens again.
View detailed findings
In September 2024, Kate Eves told Channel 4 News she was "disappointed with what I see as an inadequate response by the former government to an important report." She noted the inquiry cost about £20 million over four years. Home Office lawyers had argued her "recommendations are not binding."