On Tuesday 11 February, the Home Affairs Committee held a
pre-appointment hearing for the role of Independent Chief
Inspector of Borders and Immigration with the Government's
preferred candidate, John Tuckett. The Committee has published
its report following the hearing and finds that on the basis of
the evidence heard Mr Tuckett meets the criteria for the
position.
The report raises concerns about the candidate's proposed working
patterns, given his current residence in Finland, the demanding
nature of the role, and the need to be present both in London and
on inspections across the UK. The Committee would expect the
successful candidate for the position to spend the majority of
their working time in London or conducting inspections of sites
around the UK.
The Committee further warned that it would be essential for Mr
Tuckett to use the role to challenge the Government on its
performance on borders and immigration, as well as working
collaboratively with them. The report highlights the difficulties
faced by a recent incumbent, particularly around the publication
of critical reports. It calls on Mr Tuckett to ensure he
demonstrates his independence and is fully prepared to challenge
the Home Office in private and in public.
Given the previous breakdown in the relationship between the Home
Office and the ICIBI, the report further warns that the Home
Office must ensure a constructive relationship is built with the
new appointee if it is to retain public trust.
Chair of the Home Affairs Committee, Dame said:
“Borders and immigration is one of the most challenging policy
areas facing the Government and will continue to be for the
duration of Mr Tuckett's tenure. The Independent Chief Inspector
of Borders and Immigration will need to play a crucial, and
demanding, role in assessing the effectiveness of Government
operations in this area.
“The Home Affairs Committee is satisfied that Mr Tuckett has
sufficient experience of senior leadership to be appointed
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration. But we
are very conscious of the challenges faced by his predecessor.
The ICIBI cannot simply be a rubber stamp for the Home Office's
immigration and borders functions. We would urge Mr Tuckett to
ensure he remains strongly independent of the Home Office and
fully prepared to challenge their work. Equally, the Home Office
has to be prepared to accept the public scrutiny and assurance
that the role is intended to provide.”
