Last inspectedOctober 2025Full inspection, unannounced
Source: HM Inspectorate of Prisons report published 6 January 2026 · last checked 29 October 2026
Latest inspection
At its last full inspection (October 2025; report published January 2026), inspectors found outcomes for detainees were good for safety, respect, activities and preparation for removal and release. It held 55 detainees at the time, against an operational capacity of 84. It is run by Serco.
Healthy prison tests: inspectors grade four areas from 1 (poor) to 4 (good).
Inspection history
Safety: good · Respect: good · Activities: good · Preparation for removal and release: good Read our story
Safety: not sufficiently good · Respect: reasonably good · Activities: reasonably good · Preparation for removal and release: reasonably good Read our story
The women's immigration removal centre in County Durham won praise for its culture, health care and activities, but inspectors warned that a shortage of female staff needed urgent attention.
The inspectorate's first report on Derwentside immigration removal centre for women, published in December 2022, found excellent health care and good living conditions but poor governance and safety not sufficiently good.
Prison News staff
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