Prison
Cat IRC
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Kent Coast Short Term Holding Facilities (STHF)
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 23 October 2023
The IMB report for Kent Coast STHFs in 2022 documented a year of unprecedented small boat arrivals, leading to significant overcrowding and challenges across Western Jet Foil, Kent Intake Unit, and Manston. A primary concern was the widespread practice of detaining individuals for periods far exceeding the statutory 24-hour limit in conditions deemed unsuitable, particularly at Manston. While staff were commended for their compassion, critical issues persisted regarding lack of privacy for sensitive interviews, inadequate basic provisions, poor sleeping arrangements, and insufficient information for detainees about their processing journey.
Positive Findings
The Board welcomed improvements at Western Jet Foil, including a new site, improved reception system, and expanded processing areas. The new Kent Intake Unit also offered larger and more flexible holding spaces. Staff across all sites were consistently observed to be courteous, empathetic, and attentive, particularly with families and children. Food provision improved at WJF, and medical staff were available, dealing promptly with health issues like scabies. Security measures were robust, and searches were conducted sensitively. The Board also noted staff efforts to provide activities and facilitate communication for detainees.
Key Concerns
Overcrowding
Detained people should not be held at Manston for longer than 24hrs in the marquee holding rooms, as conditions are unsuitable for prolonged stays.
Other
Repeated
Detained people should be given information of their ‘process journey’ as welfare has been adversely affected by a lack of understanding of where they are moving to and why.
Other
The Board requires weekly figures from Manston, with length of stay included from all contractors on the site, to ensure transparency.
Estate/Conditions
The cleaning contract for KIU & Manston marquees must ensure consistent high levels of service to address unsatisfactory hygiene.
Safety
Lack of privacy for induction interviews at Kent Intake Unit, making it difficult for detained people to reveal personal information relevant to vulnerabilities.
Healthcare
Concerns around the privacy of healthcare screenings at Manston.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Inadequate sleeping facilities across all sites, including thin 'gym' type mats or no mats on cold floors, and crowded conditions with no privacy.
Estate/Conditions
Showers at Kent Intake Unit were frequently out of order or unusable for prolonged periods.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Inadequate provision of necessity items such as towels, wash kits, and clean clothes, particularly at Manston, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and disease.
Food/Catering
Lack of variety in food offered at Manston, with meals being largely bread-based and repetitive for individuals held for weeks.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Lack of stimulation and purposeful activity for those detained for extended periods, leading to frustration and in-fighting.
Staffing
Staff at Kent Intake Unit raised concerns about their qualification to ask sensitive questions during induction interviews.
Staffing
Mitie Security staff at Manston were not provided with appropriate clothing for the weather, being wet and cold during monitoring visits.
Board Commentary
Staffing
Staffing levels were generally adequate, with additional personnel deployed swiftly during peak arrivals. However, senior Care and Custody officers were sometimes unavailable during busy periods. Concerns were raised regarding the qualifications of some staff conducting sensitive induction interviews and the impact of staff shortages when escorts were required. At Manston, Mitie Security personnel provided additional security but lacked appropriate clothing for the weather, and Home Office staff were sometimes diverted to manage disturbances, disrupting assessments.
Healthcare
Healthcare was provided by Aeromed and Medevent across all facilities, with trained medical staff available. Manston established its own medical facility and offered vaccinations, while WJF had a doctor permanently on site by year-end. Basic medical checks and prompt treatment for conditions like scabies were provided upon arrival. However, concerns were raised about the lack of privacy during health screenings, and the risk of airborne diseases like diphtheria, exacerbated by inadequate provision of clean clothes and sharing of blankets, was a significant issue, despite vaccination efforts.
Regime & Daily Life
The daily regime across the STHFs was significantly impacted by overcrowding and prolonged detention beyond the statutory 24-hour limit. While initial processing at WJF was improved with new facilities for changing and basic provisions, sleeping arrangements across all sites were inadequate, with thin mats, blankets, or even cardboard boxes on cold floors in crowded marquees. Showers at KIU were frequently out of order, and Manston's tent-like structures were deemed unsuitable for extended stays, with concerns about cleanliness, insufficient clothing, and repetitive, bread-based food. A lack of stimulating activities often led to frustration and in-fighting among detainees.
Recommendations (4)
Home Office: 3
Other: 1
1 repeated
Recommendation 1
The Board recommends that detained people should not be held at Manston for longer than 24hrs in the marquee holding rooms.
Home Office
Regime
Recommendation 2
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
Detained people should be given information of their ‘process journey’ The Board continues to note that the welfare of detained individuals has been adversely affected by a lack of understanding of where they are moving to and why. This occurs particularly in holding rooms. The Board understands that work has begun to address this issue but is disappointed as to the length of time that it has taken to solve this problem.
Home Office
Fair Treatment
Recommendation 3
Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings. The Board should receive weekly figures from Manston, with length of stay included from all contractors on the site.
Home Office
Other
Recommendation 4
Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings. Ensure that the cleaning contract for KIU & Manston marquees have consistent high levels of service.
Other
(other)
Estate