33 Response Accepted in Part AI-assessed

Improve HMIP and IMB evidence gathering and reporting processes

Recommendation

HM Inspectorate of Prisons and Independent Monitoring Boards working within immigration removal centres must ensure that they have robust processes for: obtaining and reporting on an enhanced range of evidence and intelligence from detained people and those who represent or support them, staff and contractors, including that which is received outside of inspections or visits; and reporting on any concerns about the Home Office and contractors.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The government stated it was considering its reliance on external scrutiny organisations, noting that this recommendation was primarily directed at HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) and Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) (Govt response, 19 March 2024). A parliamentary question in January 2025 indicated this recommendation was "on track for closure by summer 2025" (Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170, 15 January 2025). No further public update on the completion of this recommendation or specific details of improved evidence gathering and reporting processes by HMIP and IMBs have been identified since that date.
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

The government stated it is considering its reliance on external scrutiny organisations. This recommendation was directed primarily at HMIP and IMBs.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Parliamentary Answer
14 Jan 2025

Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'On track for closure by summer 2025.'

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
HM Inspectorate of Prisons Primary
Recommendation age 2.5 yrs
Last formal update 434 days ago