23 Response Accepted in Part Self-assessed

Quarterly assessment of staffing levels against population needs

Recommendation

The Home Office and contractors operating immigration removal centres must ensure that there is ongoing assessment of staffing levels (at least on a quarterly basis), so that the level of staff present within each centre is appropriate for the size and needs of the detained population. The Home Office must also ensure that the detained population does not increase at any immigration centre unless staffing is at an adequate level.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Home Office implemented a new staffing model, which it stated delivered a "considerably healthier ratio of custodial staff per detained individual" compared to 2017, and contract reviews address safe staffing policies (Govt response, 19 March 2024). A parliamentary question in January 2025 indicated this recommendation was "completed and closed as of October 2024" (Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170, 15 January 2025). However, the Inquiry Chair, Kate Eves, described the government's overall response as "inadequate" in September 2024, warning that abuse could reoccur.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 18 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part Home Office
19 Mar 2024

A new staffing model has been implemented delivering a 'considerably healthier ratio of custodial staff per detained individual to nearly double what it was in 2017'. Contract reviews address safe staffing policies.

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Progress Timeline
Parliamentary Answer
14 Jan 2025

Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'Completed and closed as of October 2024.'

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.

Insufficient Progress
19 Sep 2024
Brook House Inquiry Chair Other

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."

Channel 4 News interview, September 2024
Source
Report The Brook House Inquiry Report 19 Sep 2023
Responsible Bodies
Home Office Primary
Recommendation age 2.5 yrs
Last formal update 434 days ago