Prison
Cat IRC
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Dungavel House
IMB Annual Report 2023 · Published 11 March 2025
Dungavel House IRC maintained a safe and humane environment in 2023, with good staff-resident relationships, comprehensive healthcare, and a relaxed regime. Despite these positives, concerns persist regarding persistent roof access issues and the impact of frequent late-night arrivals from Edinburgh Airport on detainees. The IMB also highlighted its own significant challenges in recruiting members.
Positive Findings
The Board is satisfied that Dungavel House is a safe environment, where detainees are treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and human rights are respected. Staff maintain good relationships with residents, fostering a safe, open, and relaxed regime. Healthcare provision is good, with daily GP access, NHS psychiatrist support, and no waiting list for Rule 35 assessments. Food quality is excellent, with dietary needs well-catered for, and facilities like a family dining area and free visitor taxi service are appreciated.
Key Concerns
Safety
Repeated
Incidents of residents climbing on to the roof remains an occurrence. The Board continues to recommend that preventative measures be put in place to stop this, which remains an issue due to the accessibility of the fire escape stair.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Detainees often arrive very late at night from Edinburgh airport only to be taken back there early in the morning for assessment, which is due to the lack of suitable, overnight, accommodation at the airport, leading to concerns about frequent night arrivals and departures.
Safety
During the year one resident was able to escape from Dungavel.
Other
The IMB experienced significant difficulties in recruiting new members during 2023, impacting its activities and monitoring capacity, largely due to the remote location of Dungavel.
Board Commentary
Staffing
At the start of 2023, the centre employed 131 staff, which increased to 162 by year-end, following 92 recruitments and 61 departures. The Board is satisfied that there is a sufficient number of staff for the residents. However, the IMB itself faced significant challenges in recruiting new members due to the remote location of Dungavel.
Healthcare
Med-Co Secure Healthcare Ltd provides 24-hour nursing cover, with a GP attending daily and an NHS psychiatrist addressing mental health issues. Detainees receive nurse assessments within two hours of arrival and must see a doctor within 24 hours. Dental and optical care, along with several specialist clinics, are regularly held, and there is no waiting list for Rule 35 assessments.
Regime & Daily Life
The centre operates a safe, open, and relaxed regime, with residential units open daily from 6.45am to 9.45pm, allowing for free association. The Information and Learning Centre (ILC) is open 365 days a year. Residents can book 45-minute slots for the gym and ILC daily, both of which, along with the outdoor sports facility, are well-used and popular.
Recommendations (2)
Governor / Director: 2
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
As has been mentioned in previous reports, consideration should be given to installing robust preventative measures to ensure that roofs are not accessible to detained persons. This would help towards the safety of residents and staff. This remains an issue due to the accessibility of the fire escape stair.
Governor / Director
Safety
Response
Mitie will always consider and review areas to improve, specifically around our security measures. During the course of the year, numerous efforts have been made to improve the security infrastructure of the establishment. Barbed wire has previously been considered as a preventative measure; however it is recognised that internally, within the perimeter, this can have a detrimental impact on the residents. Mitie have anti climb paint in areas of the establishment where potential at height risks may occur, as well as improved CCTV systems and coverage. Increased staffing numbers ensure Mitie have appropriate levels of patrols as well as opportunities to further deploy people, should any potential risk be present. Further to this, the security team work closely with a number of external authorities, which contributes to the building up and gathering of information and intelligence around the custodial estate.
Recommendation 2
Repeated
As per last year's report, the expansion of the car park requires to be prioritised as visitor numbers may increase.
Governor / Director
Estate
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