UK Border Agency contract

Reliance Secure Task Management won the UK Border Agency contract to escort detainees in their care. The contract began 1 May, 2011 and lasts for four years. 

“We are delighted to be able to provide this service for the UK Border Agency”, said Geoff Vinall, CEO of Reliance Secure Task Management. “It’s a natural extension of a sensitive business sector in which we have developed a great deal of expertise. We have many years’ worth of experience escorting detainees and young offenders and providing police support services where safety and security are the top priorities.”

Following a significant mobilisation involving the transfer of over 1000 staff from the incumbent contractor, creation of a new IL£ accredited control centre, bringing in over 100 specialist vehicles and setting up new bases across the country Reliance began the contract on time and maintained service consistency for the customer.

Reliance is responsible for the escort and transportation of those detained in the United Kingdom under the Immigration Act. Reliance oversees the safe custody and welfare of detainees in designated holding rooms, short-term holding facilities, in vehicles and while on escort, and within the Juxtaposed Control Area in Calais and Coquelles, France. Under the direction of the UK Border Agency, Reliance is also responsible for the safe and secure removal of detainees from the UK, using trained escorts to accompany them to the country of return.

Reliance cares for an average of 4900 immigration detainees in 30 designated holding rooms and two short term holding facilities per month as well as providing escort for c6615 immigration detainees per month. We have safely and securely removed c2000 immigration detainees from the UKBA per month. Reliance also provides medical services for immigration detainees at holding facilities in Larne and Pennine House.

In order to repatriate detainees from the UK safely and securely, it is necessary to provide sufficient escort staff. Escorts are particularly required where detainees are vulnerable (e.g. have a medical condition); or refuse to leave the UK voluntarily; or are being removed on a charter flight. They usually travel with the detainees to their final destination.