IRC
Cat IRC
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Dungavel House IRC
IMB Annual Report 2021 · Published 5 October 2022
Dungavel IRC was well-managed by both GEO and Mitie throughout 2021 despite COVID-19 challenges, treating residents fairly and safely. Healthcare provision was good, and a relaxed regime with ample activities was maintained due to low resident numbers. Key concerns included IMB member recruitment, high CSU temperatures, the need for a disability officer, and unresolved issues like staff negotiation training and parking.
Positive Findings
The Board is satisfied that in 2021 residents were treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and that they stated that they felt safe and that their human rights were being respected. The centre was well managed by both GEO and Mitie despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The healthcare provision was good, and the centre offered a wide range of activities and communal areas, with staff fostering good relationships with residents.
Key Concerns
Staffing
Recruitment of members is a serious problem for the IMB. Dungavel IRC is remote, with negligible public transport links.
Estate/Conditions
The temperature within the CSU was too high.
Equality/Diversity
As regards equality and diversity, consideration should be given to appointing a disability officer. Disability affects a high proportion of the population.
Staffing
Repeated
The training of staff in negotiating techniques needs to be put in place. We note that this has been hampered by Covid restrictions, but these have now relaxed.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The parking area needs to be expanded.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The centre changed contractors from GEO to Mitie in September 2021, with ninety staff subject to TUPE at the changeover. At the end of 2021, the centre had a full-time equivalent staff number of 146. A small resident population allowed for a high staff-to-resident ratio, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. The IMB itself, however, was severely under-resourced with only three active members for much of the year.
Healthcare
The Board is satisfied that residents' health and wellbeing needs were met, with good physical healthcare provision including a daily GP and access to dental and optical care. An NHS psychiatrist provided mental health support. A nursing team of eight qualified staff provided 24-hour care, managing Covid-19 cases safely. No residents were sectioned under the Mental Health Act during 2021.
Regime & Daily Life
Dungavel provided a safe, open, and relaxed regime with residential units generally open for 15 hours daily, allowing free association. Kitchen and laundry facilities were accessible at all times. The centre offered a wide range of activities, including library, computer rooms, sports hall, gymnasium, and outdoor facilities, with ready access due to low resident numbers. Isolating residents had limited access but some provisions were made.
Recommendations (5)
Home Office: 1
Governor / Director: 4
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
Recruitment of members is a serious problem for the IMB. Dungavel IRC is remote, with negligible public transport links. There were three applicants in 2021 and they were interviewed in the summer. Two were recommended by the interviewers. By the end of 2021 neither had reached the stage of being able to visit the centre. We would recommend that the process of recruitment, vetting and training be accelerated in order to facilitate an increased number of Board members.
Home Office
Board Recruitment
Recommendation 2
The temperature within the CSU was too high. This should have been reduced.
Governor / Director
Estate
Recommendation 3
As regards equality and diversity, consideration should be given to appointing a disability officer. Disability affects a high proportion of the population.
Governor / Director
Equality
Recommendation 4
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The training of staff in negotiating techniques needs to be put in place. We note that this has been hampered by Covid restrictions, but these have now relaxed.
Governor / Director
Staffing / Training
Response
This has not yet been addressed but we are told that Bronze Commander training has been scheduled and the participants will be invited to attend negotiating technique training.
Recommendation 5
Repeated
Prev. addressed
The parking area needs to be expanded.
Governor / Director
Estate
Response
We are advised that the old training base, situated on the centre grounds, is being extensively refurbished and will house the vehicle base and escorting vehicles and that this will free up considerable parking in the car park.
Other IMB Reports for Dungavel House IRC
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
18 Aug 2025
Unannounced
Safety: 4
Respect: 4
Activity: 3
Release: 4
19 Jul 2021
Unannounced
Safety: 3
Respect: 3
Activity: 3
Release: 3