Serco awarded contract to run Gatwick immigration removal centres
Serco Ltd has been awarded the contract to manage Brook House and Tinsley House immigration removal centres, following an open and rigorous procurement process.
The contract awarded by the Home Office will begin on 21 May 2020. It includes ambitious plans to improve the 2 centres in Gatwick.
As part of the new contract, Serco will:
- substantially increase staff numbers so officers spend more time supporting detainees
- give detainees access to educational and skills-based activities, 7 days a week to help with their return
- boost the number of welfare staff to ensure individuals receive the appropriate level of care
- provide new safeguarding and vulnerability training for staff
The improvements are further steps to modernise the immigration detention estate, as well as responding to the former Prison Ombudsman, Stephen Shaw’s two reports on detention.
The contract includes improved performance monitoring to ensure detainees’ health and welfare are prioritised. Financial penalties will be considered if there are any dips in performance standards.
