Gaon Hart appointed as new Immigration Services Commissioner
The Home Secretary has announced Gaon Hart as the new Immigration Services Commissioner.
The Home Secretary has announced Gaon Hart as the new Immigration Services Commissioner, following an exceptional appointment process, in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Mr Hart took over the role of ISC on 12 December, succeeding John Tuckett, who was appointed as Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration earlier this year. To ensure continuity between commissioners, Mr Tuckett had been performing the role part time since October.
Mr Hart brings extensive experience in regulatory leadership, legal expertise and public service to the role. He currently serves as Chair of the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales, a position he has held since summer 2025, and as Interim Chair of the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, where he oversees the prevention, protection and investigation of the £1.3 billion annual fraud risk facing the UK health sector. He will continue in both of these roles.
A distinguished legal expert and compliance strategist, Mr Hart is Managing Director of Legal Advisory Worldwide, a boutique consultancy specialising in global corporate economic crime prevention in the private and public sectors, including bringing a wealth of technological and AI experience to the role. He has worked closely with police and other regulatory bodies on misconduct hearings and standards and previously served as the UK Crown Prosecution Service Lead Prosecutor for Public Corruption.
The Immigration Services Commissioner plays a vital role in regulating immigration advisers, protecting vulnerable consumers from poor quality advice, and maintaining standards across the immigration advice sector through the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA). The role includes enforcement against those who provide illegal unregulated advice, protecting those who face complex and life-changing decisions.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said:
Gaon Hart brings exceptional experience in regulatory leadership, legal expertise and tackling complex fraud and misconduct issues, which will be invaluable in his new role as Immigration Services Commissioner.
I would also like to thank John Tuckett for his outstanding service as Immigration Services Commissioner over the past six years, during which he successfully transformed the organisation and strengthened protections for those seeking immigration advice.
Immigration Services Commissioner, Gaon Hart, said:
I am honoured to be appointed as Immigration Services Commissioner and committed to ensuring that those seeking immigration advice receive the highest quality support and protection. Equally, those who provide vital regulated advice, require support and assurance from a robust regulator.
The Immigration Advice Authority plays a vital role in maintaining public confidence in the immigration advice sector, and I look forward to working with regulated advisers, stakeholders and the dedicated IAA team to build on the strong foundations established by my predecessor.
The Immigration Services Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that immigration advice provided by regulated advisers meets high professional standards and that advice seekers are protected from unqualified or unscrupulous advisers. In addition, they are responsible for investigating and prosecuting those who provide illegal advice, to provide assurance to the sector.
This exceptional appointment ensures continuity in the vital work of regulating immigration advice services as part of the government’s commitment to maintaining robust standards across the immigration system. Mr Hart has been appointed for a term of 5 years, in accordance with the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.