IRC
Cat IRC
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Dungavel House IRC
IMB Annual Report 2020 · Published 22 June 2021
Dungavel House IRC successfully managed its operations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with no detainee infections and staff commended for their resilience. Detainees report feeling safe, benefiting from good healthcare, a relaxed regime, and improved escort services. However, concerns persist regarding the length of detention, roof access, staff training, parking, and gate upgrades.
Positive Findings
The Board commends GEO management and staff for effectively managing the IRC well during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no detainee infections and only community transmission among staff. Detainees are treated fairly and humanely, reporting that they feel safe and respected. Healthcare provision is good, offering a full range of services, and a marked improvement in the relationship and transport provision from Mitie is welcomed. Excellent provision was made during Ramadan, demonstrating respect for protected characteristics.
Key Concerns
Other
The detainees’ main concerns relate to the length of detention and the uncertainty of their futures.
Safety
Repeated
consideration should be given to installing robust preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detainees. This would help towards the safety of detainees and staff.
Staffing
Repeated
Some staff should be trained in negotiating techniques.
Estate/Conditions
The escorting contract is held by Mitie who have an office and a vehicle base in the car park of the centre. This by default, has led to a much reduced number of parking bays for GEO staff and visitors. This must be addressed.
Estate/Conditions
During 2020 there was an issue with the electronics of the inner pedestrian gate... The Board strongly recommends that this gate be upgraded.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Admissions arrive at any time day or night. Detainees often arrive very late at night from Edinburgh airport, only to be taken back there early in the morning for assessment. The Board is closely monitoring the number of late arrivals and departures.
Board Commentary
Staffing
GEO recruited seven new staff, but their training was suspended due to the lockdown. All staff training that could take place remotely occurred using IT solutions. Staff have shown great resilience and morale has been bolstered by a safety-first approach. The Board has repeatedly recommended staff training in negotiating techniques, but availability has been affected by COVID-19.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good, with a nursing team of eight providing 24-hour cover and a GP attending daily. An NHS psychiatrist deals with mental health issues. The team adapted to COVID-19 challenges, offering full services, and successfully arranged sectioning for two individuals without issues. Most healthcare staff have received their first vaccination.
Regime & Daily Life
The residential units are open from 6:45 am to 9:45 pm daily, allowing free association. Since lockdown, all detainees are accommodated in single rooms, and a booking system is in place for resources like the gym and ILC. Detainees in isolation have limited access to main facilities but are provided with alternative in-unit activities and equipment. The ILC and gym are popular, with a female gym instructor now appointed.
Applications to the IMB
Prisoners can apply to their IMB about any aspect of their treatment. This table shows application counts by category.
| Category | Current | Previous | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation including laundry, showers | 0 | 0 | |
| Equality | 0 | 0 | |
| Escorts | 0 | 0 | |
| Finance including detainees’ centre accounts | 0 | 0 | |
| Food and kitchens | 0 | 0 | |
| Health including physical, mental, social care | 0 | 0 | |
| Issues relating to detainees’ immigration case, including access to legal advice | 0 | 0 | |
| Letters, faxes, visits, phones, internet access | 0 | 0 | |
| Other | 0 | 2 | |
| Property during transfer or in another establishment or location | 1 | 1 | — |
| Property within centre | 0 | 0 | |
| Purposeful activity including education, paid work, training, library, other activities | 0 | 0 | |
| Staff/detainee conduct, including bullying | 0 | 0 | |
| Use of force, removal from association | 0 | 0 |
Recommendations (4)
Governor / Director: 4
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The board repeats its recommendation from its 2019 report that consideration should be given to installing robust preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detainees. This would help towards the safety of detainees and staff.
Governor / Director
Safety
Recommendation 2
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
Some staff should be trained in negotiating techniques.
Governor / Director
Staffing
Recommendation 3
The escorting contract is held by Mitie who have an office and a vehicle base in the car park of the centre. This by default, has led to a much reduced number of parking bays for GEO staff and visitors. This must be addressed.
Governor / Director
Estate
Recommendation 4
The centre is secured by a fence and gates. During 2020 there was an issue with the electronics of the inner pedestrian gate. The Board strongly recommends that this gate be upgraded.
Governor / Director
Safety
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