Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre criticised by inspector

A report released by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons has revealed a lack of training or understanding of the impact of detention on the women held there among staff.

Derwentside Women's Immigration Removal Centre near Consett was opened in November 2021 after a number of delays to detain women who are facing deportation.

Amongst other criticisms, the report says that "Leaders had not properly overseen the use of force in order to make sure that it was reasonable, proportionate and safe."

The exercise area at Derwentside (Image: The Northern Echo).

The report was authored by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, after an unannounced visit to the site in August.

A lack of administrative organisation has also meant that video footage and paperwork relating to events at the detention centre have gone missing.

Overall the report states 15 key concerns that need immediate action from Mitie - the private contractor who operates the detention centre on behalf of the government.

READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Controversial immigration detention centre

Among those were improvements in governance and record keeping such as in areas like detainee safety, as well as the fact that those at risk of self-harm or suicide were found to not receive consistent or well-organised care.

The report also mentions inappropriate behaviour from staff towards detainees, insensitive comments, staff entering rooms at night without adequate justification, the insufficient use of interpreting services, and a low number of women who said that they felt supported and prepared for release (35%). 

Derwentside Women's Immigration Removal Centre near Medomsley is on the former Hassockfield Detention Centre. The site was previously the site of the now-demolished Medomsley Detention Centre for young offenders, where more than 1,800 former inmates reported sexual and physical abuse by staff.

Campaigners have fought against the detention centre's existence since it was originally announced as a replacement for Yarl's Wood as the main immigration detention centre for women in the UK. Opponents to opening the site also included Durham County Council. The group 'No to Hassockfield' continues to campaign for the closure of the site.

Alison Stancliffe from No to Hassockfield said: “This report confirmed what anyone with a personal knowledge of the IRC’s location will tell you - that the site of a former notorious boys’ home was always going to be a glaringly unsuitable location for the only dedicated residential facility in the country for women caught up in the UK detention system.

"One major concern of the inspectorate is that the care for women at risk is below acceptable standards. They found women detained in the Centre with proven experience of torture and abuse who should not have been in Derwentside in the first place, under the Home Office's own ‘adults at risk in detention’ policy.”

This is a reference to the Home Office's 'Rule 35' which states that people who have experienced torture and abuse should not be detained in settings like Derwentside. The report reveals that of the 44 Rule 35 reports submitted in the last 6 months, 23 people were subsequently recommended for release, while another 4 cases are still pending.

No to Hassockfield have previously pointed out the unsuitability of the remote site, ever since it was first identified by the Home Office. Long-term campaigner against the site, Kate Osborne, the Labour MP for Jarrow has been a long-term campaigner against the site, and haswritten to the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, after visiting Derwentside this week.

One of the rooms at Derwentside (Image: The Northern Echo).

Ms Osborne said: “The appalling conditions I have seen today are a disgrace. Women who are locked up in Derwentside are being denied human rights, are isolated and unable to access face-to-face legal advice. The majority of those being detained here are innocent of any criminal activity and will be detained for unjust and unnecessary administrative purposes. Some of the women have been trafficked.” 

Dr. Helen Groom from No to Hassockfield added: “There is no case for locking up vulnerable women in this way. A Home Office project in Newcastle run by Action Foundation has already shown that women caught up in the nightmare of asylum detention can have their cases dealt with much more effectively and cheaply in the community. Derwentside IRC should be closed.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Steps are already being taken to address the recommendations in the report, and we are working closely with partners and contractors to ensure the services provided, including safeguarding, are of the highest standard."

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