Inspectors reported that Tinsley House, near Gatwick Airport, is one of the best performing immigration removal centres and that children and families are well cared for.  They also said that detainees have good access to activities such as English classes and paid work.  

During the unannounced inspection of the centre, which holds people awaiting decisions on their asylum claim or deportation, officials noted the good relationships between staff and detainees and the “many examples of kind and helpful interactions” between them.   

Director of G4S Custodial and Detention Services, Jerry Petherick, said: 

“The days before deportation can be a distressing time for detainees and I am pleased that this report recognises the calm, patient and diligent work of our staff at Tinsley House to support the people we look after at the centre.

“I am encouraged that inspectors have again found Tinsley House to be a safe and decent environment for detainees and this is the product of hard work by our staff and partners, including the Red Cross, Gatwick Detainee Welfare Group and Migrant Help to provide high levels of care.  We are committed to continuing to improve performance and will work with the Home Office and our other partner agencies to play our part in meeting the inspector’s recommendations.”