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Embargoed until 0:01 18 November 2010 - Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency publishes report on Nationality Group

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 15 November 2010

Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency publishes report on Nationality Group

A report published today by the Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency has found that Nationality Group was efficient in its operations and provided a high level of personal service in maintaining contact with applicants.

As part of a wider inspection into the UK Border Agency's operations in the North West of England region, the Independent Chief Inspector, John Vine CBE QPM said, "Nationality Group did the simple things well and as a result was able to deliver a good service to their customers. I very much hope the UK Border Agency will now consider how Nationality Group's effective working practices can be shared with and applied to other areas of the UK Border Agency."

Mr Vine noted that Nationality Group's targets were realistic but also challenging and were clear, well understood and used effectively by managers to improve performance. Furthermore, this strong focus on meeting performance targets did not result in unintended or perverse outcomes.

Mr Vine also found that the continual improvement of working practices was embedded within Nationality Group. Staff and managers at all levels were involved in the identification and elimination of areas of duplication, weakness and waste in relation to processes.

Nationality Group deals with people who are typically at the very end of the immigration process and who are paying to apply for British citizenship. Successful applicants are granted citizenship and are eligible to apply for a British passport.

The Independent Chief Inspector's full report "An Inspection of Nationality Group: The Management of Applications for British Citizenship" can be viewed at: www.independent.gov.uk/icinspector/news

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Notes to Editors:

1. The Office of the Independent Chief Inspector was created by the UK Borders Act 2007. The appointment of John Vine CBE, QPM was announced in Parliament by the Home Secretary in April 2008. He took up his post in July 2008.

2. The Chief Inspector is independent of the UK Border Agency and is required to report annually to the Secretary of State.

3. The purpose of inspection of the UK Border Agency is to provide assurance to Ministers, Parliament and the public about the safe, proper and effective delivery of the functions of the UK Border Agency.

Media Enquiries: Alex Cheatle

Contacts:

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Alex Cheatle
Phone: 020 7802 0442 - 0462
alexander.cheatle@icinspector.gsi.gov.uk