Response to a spot check inspection of Border Force operations at Portsmouth International Port
Published 29 February 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/response-to-a-spot-check-inspection-of-operations-at-portsmouth-port/response-to-a-spot-check-inspection-of-border-force-operations-at-portsmouth-international-port
Date of inspection: August 2023
The Home Office thanks the Independent Chief Inspector for his ‘Spot Check Inspection of Border Force operations at Portsmouth International Port’ report. This was a pilot of a new type of inspection and covered one day of observation which due to timings and logistics meant that the inspection team saw one ferry arrival being dealt with by the Portsmouth team.
The focus of the inspection was the efficiency and effectiveness of Border Force operations, particularly concerning preparations for operational readiness. We are pleased that the inspection found a culture of strong management and leadership, that staff were committed and enthusiastic in conducting their duties to strive towards keeping the UK border secure, and the strong working relationship with stakeholders at the port. We accept that the facilities at Portsmouth are not at the required standard and will continue to work with the port operator to address the issues raised.
Recommendation 1
Review resourcing processes at Border Force South Central to ensure consistent deployment to all operational priorities within the region, such as port-based anti-smuggling checks at Portsmouth.
Not accepted
Border Force South Central Command already has a mature cross command resourcing process in place. This ensures the flexible deployment of regional mobile and port resources across the region, as appropriate, to meet all operational priorities. South Central Command also has a dedicated customs team that work a standalone shift pattern. The team are deployed across South Central Command specifically to target high risk arrivals for anti-smuggling purposes.
Recommendation 2
Provide clarity to port operators on what statutory facilities they are required to provide to Border Force without cost and what Border Force must pay for.
Partially accepted
The Border Force National Frontier Approvals Unit (NFAU) manage this function nationally for Border Force. The statutory facilities that port operators are required to provide to Border Force are agreed as part of the approval of their application to provide this service. Where there is any ambiguity, Border Force local managers alongside the NFAU will clarify the requirements and take this forward with the port operators.
There is a good working relationship between Border Force and the Portsmouth Port Operator. Where matters arise, these are, and will continue to be, considered as part of business as usual.
Home Office expected implementation date: In place and ongoing.
Recommendation 3
Work with the port operator to improve facilities at the car lane PCP booths, including:
- modernising their appearance and quality
- better lighting to allow more efficient face-to-passport checks
- ventilation to improve air quality and regulate temperature, including an assessment of whether the absence of a “positive pressure” system at the car lane PCP booths represents a health and safety risk to staff
- a pest control solution to prevent the nesting of pigeons in Border Force’s customs examination area after the car lane PCP booths
Accepted
We accept the facilities at Portsmouth International Port are not at the required standard, however the timescale for improvements is not within the means of the Home Office to dictate as these are the responsibility of the port operator. Border Force are however working closely with the port operator to address the issues with the current facilities. The port operator has already implemented an enhanced cleaning regime to address some of the issues associated with pest control in the car hall with improved lighting to follow. The overall quality of the PCP car booths will be taken forward as part of the port’s redevelopment plan. There is a very good working relationship between Border Force and the Portsmouth Port Operator which will help to improve facilities.