Detention Action
Detention Action is a national charity that aims to change the way that migrants are treated by immigration detention policy in the UK. We defend the rights and improve the welfare of people in detention by combining support for individuals with campaigning for policy change. Detention Action was known as London Detainee Support Group until May 2011.
Activities & Mission
Detention Action is a national charity that aims to change the way that migrants are treated by immigration detention policy in the UK. We defend the rights and improve the welfare of people in detention by combining support for individuals with campaigning for policy change. Detention Action was known as London Detainee Support Group until May 2011.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 75% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 3459). How is this calculated?
Higher than 100% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 73% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £791,893 | £798,939 | £798,669 | £147,344 | £147,344 | 14 / 50 |
| 2024 | £700,087 | £789,708 | £789,708 | £154,390 | £154,390 | 14 / 65 |
| 2023 | £885,144 | £863,568 | £863,568 | £244,011 | £244,011 | 15 / 65 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Detention Action
What does Detention Action do?
Detention Action is a national charity that aims to change the way that migrants are treated by immigration detention policy in the UK. We defend the rights and improve the welfare of people in detention by combining support for individuals with campaigning for policy change. Detention Action was known as London Detainee Support Group until May 2011.
How much income did Detention Action report in 2025?
Detention Action reported total income of £792k and reported expenditure of £799k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Detention Action?
Detention Action has a program ratio of 100.9%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 75% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 3459 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Detention Action registered as a charity?
Detention Action was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 7 April 2022 as charity number 1198554. It has been registered for 4 years.
Who runs Detention Action?
Detention Action is governed by a board of 4 trustees. The chair of trustees is Hans Dibobe Ekonje. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Detention Action operate?
Detention Action operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Detention Action a registered charity?
Yes — Detention Action is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1198554.
Details
LONDON
E2 2HA
Registry Information
Is this your charity?
Add your logo, photos and tell the story behind the numbers in your own words. Free for our first 50 launch partners.
Claim this listing Learn more about premium profilesOther notable Beneficiary group charities
Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated