John Tuckett named as preferred candidate for ICIBI role
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, Seema Malhotra 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.