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Derwentside IRC: a clear focus on women’s welfare driving positive outcomes

Published:

An inspection of Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre has found a clear focus on welfare, with staff and leaders at the County Durham centre working hard to offer practical support to the women being held.

Inspectors found that the detainees, many of whom had vulnerabilities or had suffered abuse, could engage in purposeful activities – including education, work and fitness opportunities – that supported their physical and mental well-being. A cultural kitchen, where they cooked and shared food together, helped to create a sense of community, and a busy library offered a space where women could ask for help, use the internet, borrow books, and participate in activities which were often linked to national and international themed days.

The visits team at the centre contacted all visitors by telephone to confirm their visit, provide useful information and offer the opportunity to ask questions. Women could access information booklets in their own languages and the welfare team helped them to apply for voluntary return schemes. Within 48 hours of arriving at the centre, health and welfare staff completed a follow-up appointment to identify detainees’ vulnerabilities and put support in place.

Derwentside stands as an example of what can be achieved through committed leadership, dedicated staff, and a clear focus on the welfare of those in detention. While there remain areas for improvement, the centre’s strengths and positive practices provide a solid foundation for continued progress. All those involved should be commended for their hard work and encouraged to build on these achievements going forward.
Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor

Notes to editors

  1. This inspection took place between 15 September and 3 October 2025.
  2. Derwentside is an immigration removal centre for women in County Durham. Fifty-five women were held at the time of the inspection.
  3. The centre opened in November 2021. It has been operated by Serco since September 2023.
  4. At the time of the inspection, the centre received an average of 28 women a month. Fifty-nine per cent of women were released and 41% were transferred to other centres. The largest nationality groups were Chinese, Brazilian and Polish.
  5. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
  6. Please email media@hmiprisons.gov.uk if you would like more information.