The Home Secretary has today (7 October) announced John Tuckett’s appointment as Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI).
This follows successful pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this year. He will replace David Bolt who has been serving as interim ICIBI since June 2024.
Mr Tuckett joins from his previous position as Immigration Services Commissioner, which he has held since July 2019, and brings more than 30 years of experience to the role.
Following a career as a Royal Navy submarine commander, Mr Tuckett moved into senior Home Office positions where he successfully led the merger of Prison and Probation Services
He also served as Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation and has led major organisational change programmes across multiple government departments.
The ICIBI plays a vital role in independently monitoring and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK’s border, immigration and citizenship system, making recommendations directly to the Home Secretary. The role will be conducted from the UK full time.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said
John Tuckett brings exceptional experience in public service leadership and organisational transformation, which will be invaluable as we secure Britain’s borders and reform our immigration system.
I would like to thank David Bolt for all his hard work during his time as interim Independent Chief Inspector.
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, John Tuckett, said
I am delighted and privileged to be taking up this important role and committed to providing robust, independent scrutiny of the UK’s border security and immigration processes.
My priority will be to help ensure the immigration system works efficiently and effectively while upholding the highest standards of fairness and security.
This appointment forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which includes major reforms to streamline the immigration system and strengthen borders while maintaining robust security checks.
The government is in the process of recruiting a new Immigration Services Commissioner who will be confirmed shortly.
