Address barriers to detainee complaints including fear of repercussions
The Home Office and its contractors operating immigration removal centres must take steps to identify and address the barriers to making complaints that are faced by detained people, including a fear of repercussions. This must include training for staff on their role in enabling detained people to overcome these barriers.
- In February 2025, DSO 03/2015 (Handling Complaints in IRCs) was updated (Detention Services Order 03/2015, Home Office, February 2025).
- In July 2025, DSO 03/2020 (Whistleblowing) version 3.0 was published, introducing a confidential hotline and monthly reporting requirements for contractors (Detention Services Order 03/2020 v3.0, Home Office, July 2025).
- No independent assessment of whether detainee-facing barriers to complaint have been reduced in practice has been identified to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartA comprehensive review of complaints processes is underway, including engagement with detainees, IMB and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Detention Services Orders are to be updated on completion.
Progress Timeline
Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'Due for closure by end of January 2025.'
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.
42% of detainees assessed at higher risk (up from 25%). Mental health provision improving but still inadequate for demand.
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."