How the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) works
The Commissioner's Office
The Commissioner's Office consists of the Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, the Deputy Immigration Services Commissioner, Ian Leigh, and their administrative support team.
The Operational Teams
A number of separate, but interlinked, teams perform the OISC's regulatory functions.
The Compliance and Complaints Teams
Led by the Interim Head of Compliance and Complaints, the members of the two Compliance and Complaints (CCT) come from a variety of backgrounds across the private, public and voluntary sectors. The Teams' caseworkers have primary responsibility for the delivery of the OISC's regulatory and complaints functions, and their main focus is ensuring continued compliance with the Commissioner's Codes and Rules. The Teams conduct site audits and investigate complaints made against regulated advisers. They are the main point of contact for regulated advisers.
The Operational Services and Support Team provides administrative support to the CCT, as well as having responsibility for updating the information on the OISC's database, responding to advisers' questions on the Commissioner's Codes and Rules and OISC internal policy. In addition it monitors advisers compliance with the OISC's Continued Professional Development (CPD) requirements and works with the Open University in administering this CPD programme.
The Applications and First Contact Team
AFCT is the first point of contact for enquiries from those considering becoming an immigration adviser and from members of the pubic enquiring about regulated advice or wishing to make a complaint. The team provides help with queries on various aspects of OISC regulation and can assist those looking for a regulated immigration adviser. AFCT also process and, where possible, make decisions on all applications for regulation, along with managing Criminal Record Bureau checks which are now required of all new entrants into the OISC scheme.
You can contact AFCT on 0207 211 1500 or by email to info@oisc.gov.uk
Please note that the OISC is unable to provide any form of immigration advice and is unable to help with any enquiries regarding the status of an immigration application that may be pending with the UK Border Agency.
The Investigations and Intelligence Team
The team seeks out and investigates alone, or jointly with other United Kingdom investigative bodies, allegations of unregulated activity relating to immigration advice or services. As part of this work, the team investigates and leads on the prosecution of specific OISC offences before the criminal courts. The intelligence section produces intelligence on prospective and regulated advisers and possible illegal activities.
The Legal and DPB (Designated and Professional Bodies) Team
The Commissioner has a duty to report on the effectiveness of DPBs in their regulation of those of their respective members who give immigration advice or services. To fulfil this duty the DPB team monitors the way in which these bodies process complaints about immigration advice and services provided by those they regulate and how they regulate their members.
The legal team ensures the good conduct of cases when a Commissioner's decision is appealed to the Immigration Services Tribunal. It also gives advice internally regarding the OISC's legal responsibilities.
The Corporate Services Teams
Finance Team
The Finance Team is responsible for the preparation of the OISC's annual phased budget, production of monthly management accounts, monitoring of actual spends against budget, forecasting for full year spend, and liaising with external and internal auditors.
The Head of Finance provides secretariat support to the OISC's Audit Committee, and has responsibility for asset management and the OISC risk register. She liaises with the UKBA Sponsor Unit in relation to the general finance and other audit issues. She represents the OISC on Home Office working groups on all financial reporting matters.
Other specific team responsibilities include maintenance of the OISC's accounting records, creditor payments, administering payroll and staff expenses and production of the OISC's annual accounts and other periodic financial reporting including financial returns to the Home Office and HM Treasury.
The Human Resources and Facilities (HR) Team
This Team is responsible for providing a comprehensive personnel and training/ development service for OISC staff. It is also responsible for health and safety, facilities and management issues within the OISC. The Head of HR also investigates complaints made against the OISC and/or its staff.
The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Team
This Team is responsible for the provision, maintenance and support of the OISC's IT systems and functions.
The Policy, Publications and Stakeholders Team
The Team provides guidance on the OISC's regulatory scheme and on the interpretation of relevent legislation, case law and wider regulatory concerns, contributes to discussions on possible legislative changes and assists at meetings with external stakeholders. The Team represents the OISC at various stakeholder events and meetings. It also manages the Office's internal and external communications, including the OISC website. Additionally it is responsible for a range of events including the Annual Conference programme and the Roundtable meeting programme.
