IMB Annual Reports
768 annual reports from Independent Monitoring Boards covering 171 establishments. IMBs provide independent oversight of prisons, immigration removal centres, and secure training centres. Source: imb.org.uk.
768
Reports
171
Establishments
757
With Key Concerns
Establishment Type
Reports by Year
Key Findings
99% of IMB reports flag key concerns.
Independent monitors cover 171 establishments
across prisons, immigration removal centres and secure training centres.
Gatwick IRC/RSTHF
IRC
Concerns
Assaults: 33
Staff assaults: 55
Gatwick IRC, comprising Brook House and Tinsley House, generally provided a safe environment in 2022 despite high rates of detainee distress and an increase in violence. The Board noted improvements in safeguarding governance, positive staff interactions, and expanded healthcare services. However, significant concerns remain regarding the detention of vulnerable individuals, ineffective Rule 35 processes, persistent issues with legal and accommodation support, and Home Office data provision.
Key concerns identified
- High rates of detainee distress, with many reporting suicidal feelings or depression.
- An increase in violence, including assaults on staff and detained men, and a rise in fights.
- Failure of the Detention Gatekeeper to prevent the detention of a significant number of men with mental health issues.
- Inappropriate and insufficient use of Rule 35, leading to continued detention of vulnerable individuals.
- Persistent barriers to meaningful legal support and substantial delays in providing suitable bail accommodation.
- A growing cohort of long-staying detainees becoming 'stuck' in the system, with a lack of proactive solutions from the Home Office.
- Significant problems in obtaining even straightforward summary data from the Home Office and, to some extent, from Serco.
- An increase in violence, including assaults on staff and detained men, and a rise in fights.
- Failure of the Detention Gatekeeper to prevent the detention of a significant number of men with mental health issues.
- Inappropriate and insufficient use of Rule 35, leading to continued detention of vulnerable individuals.
- Persistent barriers to meaningful legal support and substantial delays in providing suitable bail accommodation.
- A growing cohort of long-staying detainees becoming 'stuck' in the system, with a lack of proactive solutions from the Home Office.
- Significant problems in obtaining even straightforward summary data from the Home Office and, to some extent, from Serco.