Serco awarded contract to manage Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre

Serco, the international provider of services to Governments, has been awarded a new contract by the UK Home Office Immigration Enforcement department to manage the Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), following a competitive process. 

The contract term is for an initial nine years starting on 1 September 2023, with an option for a further one year.

Serco will be 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.

We 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.”

Serco, impacting a better future.