John Tuckett is the government's preferred candidate for the role
of Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.
The Home Secretary has today (21 January) confirmed John Tuckett
as the government's preferred candidate for the role of
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
(ICIBI).
John Tuckett has served as the Immigration Services Commissioner
since July 2019 and brings extensive leadership experience from
across the public sector including defence, healthcare, and
government services.
His career spans over three decades of public service, with
significant expertise in leading major organisational change
programmes.
Prior to his current role, Mr Tuckett served as the Chief
Executive of the Marine Management Organisation and held senior
positions across various government departments including the
Home Office, where he led the programme merging the Prison and
Probation Services.
His career began in the Royal Navy as an executive officer where
he specialised in submarine command.
The ICIBI role is a crucial, independent position, responsible
for monitoring and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness
of the UK's border, immigration and citizenship system.
The Inspector makes recommendations for improvement and reports
directly to the Home Secretary.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said:
John Tuckett brings exceptional experience in public service
leadership and organisational transformation, which will be
invaluable as we continue to strengthen our borders and
immigration system.
His track record of delivering complex change programmes across
government, combined with his current role as Immigration
Services Commissioner, makes him ideally suited to take on this
crucial independent oversight role at an important time for our
border security.
The recommendation of Mr Tuckett follows a fair and open
recruitment process, conducted in accordance with the Governance
Code on Public Appointments.
Pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee
(HASC) will follow shortly, which is an important part of the
process for some of the most significant public appointments made
by ministers.
If Mr Tuckett's appointment is finalised, he will replace David
Bolt who has been serving as interim Independent Chief Inspector
since 3 June 2024.
Following a pre-appointment hearing, HASC will publish their
recommendations, which the government will consider before
deciding whether to finalise the appointment.
This appointment comes as the government implements its Plan for
Change, which includes major reforms to streamline our
immigration system, strengthen our borders, and ensure faster,
more efficient processing of applications while maintaining
robust security checks.
