IRC
Cat IRC
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Dungavel House IRC
IMB Annual Report 2024 · Published 29 October 2025
The Independent Monitoring Board for Dungavel House IRC reports a generally safe and humane environment for detainees in 2024, with good staff-detainee relationships and healthcare provision. Key concerns include the uncertainty of detainees' futures, high numbers of night-time arrivals and departures, and ongoing issues with roof accessibility and building maintenance. The Board also noted that female facilities are considered inadequate.
Positive Findings
The Board is satisfied that Dungavel House IRC provides a generally safe environment where detainees are treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and that their human rights are respected. Staff-detainee relationships are characterised by mutual respect, and the safe, open, and relaxed regime is appreciated. Healthcare provision is good with daily GP attendance, mental health support from an NHS psychiatrist, and access to dental and optical care. The Information and Learning Centre (ILC) staff have built good relationships with detainees, and there is evidence of ongoing maintenance and upgrading of facilities.
Key Concerns
Mental Health
The detained people’s main concerns continue to be related to the uncertainty of their futures.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Admissions arrive at any time, day or night. During the year there were 676 arrivals and 126 removals during the night, which represents a 50% increase in night state arrivals and 250% increase in night state departures. While this is something that the IRC has no influence over, it is a continuing concern for the Board.
Safety
Repeated
accessibility to roofs is an ongoing issue and the installation of preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detained persons was commenced during the year.
Estate/Conditions
There remains an imbalance of temperatures within the buildings at the centre.
Estate/Conditions
Mechanical ventilation at the centre is required to be upgraded.
Equality/Diversity
It is not considered that the female facilities are adequate for detention purposes.
Healthcare
Med-Co, at first, appeared not to be familiar with the role of the IMB. This relationship is something that the IMB will want to build upon.
Equality/Diversity
The women’s accommodation at Hamilton house is somewhat restricted, as are the women’s access to general facilities.
Board Commentary
Staffing
At the start of 2024, there were 136 staff, increasing to 170 by the end of the year, with 100 recruited and 66 leaving. The Board found a sufficient number of male and female staff for the detainee population. Detainees are observed to have a good, mutually respectful relationship with Mitie staff.
Healthcare
Healthcare services are subcontracted to Med-Co Secure Healthcare Ltd, with 24-hour nursing cover and a GP attending daily. An NHS psychiatrist provides mental health support, and detainees have access to dental, optical, and specialist clinics. All residents are assessed by a nurse within two hours of arrival and by a doctor within 24 hours. While provision is generally good, the Board notes that Med-Co initially seemed unfamiliar with the IMB's role, and this relationship is an area for future development.
Regime & Daily Life
The IRC operates a safe, open, and relaxed regime, with residential units open from 6:45 am to 9:45 pm daily, allowing free association. Detainees have access to kitchen and laundry facilities at all times, and rooms have privacy locks. Purposeful activity is supported by a well-stocked Information and Learning Centre (ILC) and a popular gymnasium and sports hall, open extensive hours. Detainees can book daily slots for activities, and the library offers resources in numerous languages.
Recommendations (2)
Governor / Director: 2
1 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. addressed
As has been mentioned in previous reports, accessibility to roofs is an ongoing issue and the installation of preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detained persons was commenced during the year.
Governor / Director
Safety
Recommendation 2
Planning permission for the extension to the car park was obtained in May 2024 and work on this project should be put in hand during the year ahead.
Governor / Director
Estate
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