Positive report for G4S immigration removal centre

A G4S-managed immigration removal centre has been commended in an independent report.

In their annual report, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) examined all aspects of life including safety, accommodation, healthcare and education at Brook House, which is located near Gatwick Airport.

Throughout 2017, the centre saw capacity rise from 448 to 508 and housed men of 60 different nationalities held under immigration laws.

The report states that “G4S managers moved fast to keep the centre steady, detainees calm and staff encouraged” during difficult times and observed managers doing their best to provide a safe environment and protect individuals.

Lee Hanford, interim director at Brook House immigration removal centre, said his first priority was to provide a safe and secure environment for the men in his team’s care.

He added that the centre is on track to meet its target of 226 dedicated detention custody permanent officers.

“We work hard to support the successful resettlement of the men in our care back into the community,” Mr Hanford commented.

“This includes providing classes on life in the UK and countries of origin, CV writing and language courses in Spanish, Italian and English. These classes are extremely popular with an average of 1,690 attendees per month.”