The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) has appointed six new Non-Executive Directors to enhance governance and regulatory approaches, ensuring high standards in immigration advice across the UK.
This move aims to improve public trust and service quality for those seeking immigration advice, impacting both professionals and the general public.
Strengthening Governance in Immigration Services
The recent appointments at the Immigration Advice Authority mark a significant step towards enhancing governance within the UK’s immigration services.
Enhancing Public Trust
- Diverse expertise among new directors strengthens IAA’s capabilities.
- Focus on improving regulation and protecting public interests.
- Efforts align with broader goals of reliable immigration advice.
Effect on Individuals Seeking Immigration Advice
The changes at the IAA are poised to benefit individuals seeking immigration advice by ensuring higher quality services.
With improved standards, clients can expect more reliable guidance, minimizing the risk of encountering unregulated or incompetent advisers.
This development promises peace of mind for those navigating complex immigration processes, ultimately reducing stress and uncertainty.
A New Era for UK Immigration Services
This transformation is part of a broader effort that began with the rebranding of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to the IAA in January 2025.
The strategic shift aims to enhance regulation and better serve those seeking reliable immigration advice across the UK.
John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, expressed optimism about these changes:
“I am delighted to welcome our new Non-Executive Directors to the IAA. Their expertise and independent insight will be invaluable in strengthening our governance, enhancing our regulatory approach, and ensuring that we continue to protect the public by upholding high standards in immigration advice and services.
Their support will be instrumental as we drive forward our ambitious new vision to improve regulation and better serve those seeking reliable immigration advice across the UK.”
The Non-Executive Directors
Eni Bankole-Race
Eni is an organisational strategist with experience across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. A former Inter-Agency Coordinator for the UK Asylum Support Programme, she is now an independent researcher and visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire.
She has held various advisory and trustee roles, including as a Lay Assessor for the Advisory Committee on Clinical Impact Awards. Eni holds a law degree and is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute.
Susan Giles
Susan is a highly experienced governance professional. Currently a Director of Corporate Governance and Company Secretary for a large NHS Trust, Susan has over 20 years’ corporate governance and risk management experience in the NHS.
She also has significant experience in the voluntary sector and currently Chairs South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service and is a Trustee of both North West Cancer Research and Thrive Social Housing.
Susan is also the appointed Independent Person for Standards for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and a Joint Audit Committee member for Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Caroline Hattersley MEd MIoD
Caroline is CEO of Relate London, North, East and Essex, with over 25 years’ experience in leadership, safeguarding, and mental health.
She has worked for the British Red Cross, the National Autistic Society, and Providence Row and is a recognised expert in trauma, autism, and sexual violence.
Caroline chairs The Gestalt Centre, serves as a trustee for PACT, and Chair of Caritas Westminster’s’ Safe in Faith Initiative. She is also an ambassador for Widowed and Young.
Stephen McMahon CBE
Stephen served in the British Army for over 36 years, holding senior operational and strategic roles across the Middle East, Balkans, Afghanistan, and Africa.
He was Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Global Engagement and later a senior mentor at the Royal College of Defence Studies.
Now Executive Director of VIBSA Ltd, he provides strategic advice to the public and private sectors. He also serves as His Majesty’s Honorary Ordnance Officer at the Tower of London.
Julie Parker
Julie is a skilled non-executive director with extensive finance and governance expertise. She has served as Director of Resources and Finance in multiple London boroughs and has held key audit committee roles, including at Arts Council England.
She serves as a non-executive director at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust and Estuary Housing Association.
Mike Venables OBE
Mike is an experienced non-executive, trustee, and consultant with expertise in governance, finance, risk management, and strategy. A former MoD senior civil servant, he held senior finance, policy, and legal roles, working internationally.
Additional Reading
To Sum Up
The appointment of new Non-Executive Directors at the IAA represents a pivotal moment for UK immigration services.
By enhancing governance and regulatory frameworks, these changes aim to improve service quality and public trust.
As these efforts unfold, they hold promise for shaping future policies that prioritize consumer protection and service excellence.
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Sources: UK Government, and Immigration Advice Authority.
Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization dedicated to providing insightful analysis on current events, prepared this article.
