FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Serco has secured a new contract with the UK Home Office Immigration Enforcement department to manage the Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), following a competitive process.
The contract is for an initial nine years starting on 1 September 2023, with an option for a further one year.
The terms of the deal will see Serco responsible for all aspects of detainee safety, security and welfare provision at the IRC, excluding healthcare services which will continue to be operated under a separate contract commissioned by NHS England, together with facilities management and catering.
Serco will look to recruit people from the local community in County Durham, including graduates, internships and T-level qualifications and we will also work with referral partners to create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Commenting on the contract award, Anthony Kirby, Serco’s UK & Europe Chief Executive, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded this new contract by the Home Office. Serco has a great deal of experience of caring for people in the immigration system and being awarded this contract builds on our capabilities in providing immigration services, both in the UK and internationally. It complements the work that we already do at Gatwick and Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centres and we will ensure that we continue to be a true Impact Partner to the Home Office. We understand the sensitivity and complexity of this role and we are committed to ensuring that there is a healthy, dignified environment in the centres for all residents and employees.”
Are you confident that your contractors and suppliers meet ethical labour standards and human rights obligations?
For many FM services, managing multiple third parties in the supply chain can be a complex challenge. And, in a sector that relies heavily on migrant workers and 65 per cent of FM services facing difficulties in sourcing workers (Q4 2022 RICS survey), exposure to exploitation and modern slavery is a very real risk. With the UK one of the biggest destinations in Europe for trafficking of workers, you need full visibility of the people you work with, so you can minimise your risks and identify which part of your supply chain is most vulnerable.
FMJ, in partnership with Alcumus, is pleased to bring together a panel of experts to discuss how to create an ethical supply chain in FM.
Taking place at 11am on Wednesday 21st of June, the webinar will discuss:
- The regulations to be aware of that are aimed at preventing human right abuses.
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- Steps to creating a compliant, ethical supply chain.
To register for the webinar click here.
