We offer advice, support & information to anyone detained or threatened with detention under UK Immigration Act powers.

We aim to provide a free, impartial, independent and confidential service to our clients.

We also aim to raise awareness of the issues around detention with individuals, voluntary and statutory organizations.

We recognize the importance of equal opportunities in all areas of our work.

DAS believes that detention without charge, trial or time limit has no place in a democratic society except in the most extreme circumstances.

In Our Advice Work

Our aim is to make the situation more bearable for our clients while they are in detention, and to have them released from detention on conditions that are in their own long term best interests.

• We provide in depth casework focusing on clients' whole situation not just the issue of their detention.
• We do not make any judgments on the merits of our clients' cases.
• We recognize the confidentiality of all aspects of our clients' cases.
• We take no action without the agreement of our clients.
• We pay particular attention to clients who are most vulnerable for reasons of age, mental or physical health, length of detention or are in imminent danger of being removed from the UK against their will.

Raising Issues on Detention:

We undertake research, derived from our casework and experiences in working with detainees, to identify and analyse trends and issues in the field of detention.

We are open with the results of our research and share information with interested parties.

We participate in a variety of platforms and organizations that further our aims and objectives.

We point out inequalities or injustices where we find them. We propose remedies in a constructive way.

Education, in the broadest sense of the word, has an important role to play in developing awareness of issues. We welcome opportunities to provide training, speakers and other input to interested parties.

Relationship with Other Organisations

We recognize the importance of maintaining our independence and integrity.

We respect these qualities in other organizations.

We work with organizations with whom we share a common cause in a spirit of openness, co-operation, support and encouragement.

We realize that our work, of necessity, often brings us into contact with organizations that do not share our outlook. We strive to avoid direct confrontation through reasoned argument and negotiation but without losing our integrity.

As an Organisation

We recognise that our work is, at times, stressful and demanding. Therefore, we try to work together in a spirit of co-operation and mutual support.

In all aspects of our work we strive to identify and promote good practices wherever we find them.

We learn from the work and experiences of other organizations.

Important decisions are taken only after full consultation amongst all concerned.

In our daily work we do not distinguish between paid and unpaid workers. All deserve equal respect and consideration.

In a complex working environment we must be aware of our own needs and shortcomings. Opportunities for the acquisition of new skills and knowledge must be identified and taken in order to enhance our effectiveness.