Response to ICIBI report on country of origin information (accessible version)
Published 22 February 2021
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The Home Office response to the Independent Chief Inspector’s report:
Country of Origin Information
December 2020
Introduction
The Home Office thanks the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) for this report, as well as the Independent Advisory Group on Country Information (IAGCI) and the individual reviewers for the positive overall nature of the reviews and the constructive comments and feedback to enable further improvement.
Response to Recommendations
Recommendation
- In reviewing the processes associated with Country of Origin Information Requests (COIRs), the Home Office should look at the options for creating a searchable archive of COIRs (supported by guidance on its use and limitations), in particular where the information in question is not time-sensitive and where no other relevant COI exists.
1.1. Accepted
1.2. We have, as part of our internal review of our processing of COIRs, been looking at how we can add more value to this part of our work. To clarify also: CPIT does not intend to add a new form of product on top of our existing catalogue; rather, it is about re-casting the two main products we produce now into three. This is with a view to, as the ICIBI correctly points out, how we can “be looking at ways to make the COIRs it produces be of more lasting value”.
1.3. We have been working with the team responsible for wider changes to our internal platform (Horizon) to ensure we can best take advantage of those to provide a better search function.
1.4. CPIT has also worked with the training team to (re-)design the COI element of the foundation training program. The aim has been to give advice to decision makers about CPIT’s products and services, including how to access pre-existing material and when to make such requests. We believe this will also contribute to the “supported by guidance on its use and limitations” element of the recommendation.
1.5. We are already on the way to addressing the Chief Inspector’s recommendation.
Summary
| Recommendation | HO Response |
|---|---|
| In reviewing the processes associated with Country of Origin Information Requests (COIRs), the Home Office should look at the options for creating a searchable archive of COIRs (supported by guidance on its use and limitations), in particular where the information in question is not time-sensitive and where no other relevant COI exists. | Accepted |