Quarterly assessment of staffing levels against population needs
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.
- In November 2025, DSO 02/2018 (Detainee Custody Officer certification and training) was updated (Detention Services Order 02/2018 v2.0, Home Office, November 2025).
- No independently published quarterly staffing assessment methodology or compliance audit has been identified to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartA 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.
Progress Timeline
Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'Completed and closed as of October 2024.'
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
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."