An inspection of Border Force’s fast parcels operations (May–July 2023)

Home Office accepted: Work to update the Operating Mandate (OM) to reflect recent and upcoming changes is ongoing, and the Border Policy and International Migration Directorate (BPIM) has established an Operating Mandate Review Board, as well as supporting working groups on goods and passengers, to facilitate and provide the necessary governance for an ongoing review process. A ‘Mandate Statement Review’ has recently been commenced, which will include not only a review of the current OM, but an assessment of all Border Force requirements, generated by all Departments, across the five border systems. The review will seek to clarify, collate and cohere the requirements placed on BF to provide a basis upon which BF can assess its funding and resourcing needs to be able to deliver against these requirements, and recommend a coherent and evidence-based approach to prioritisation. This Mandate Statement Review is one component of wider BF-led work, including a refresh of the BF Operating Model, Border Transformation, preparation for upcoming technological changes at the border, and an exploration of productivity and efficiency gains.

Home Office accepted: The Home Office will establish a more joined up and cohesive multi-agency and trade working group or groups in order to improve the way it works with external stakeholders. Work is already underway to develop the relationship with the UK trade body for UK Express operators to discuss how best to progress towards a stronger relationship. The outcomes will be fed out to the frontline and intelligence leads with a view to having all appropriate units involved with further meetings with other interested bodies to follow.

Home Office accepted: The Home Office will identify digital systems to support fast parcels examination work as part of the wider design to capture Fast Parcels examinations. This includes trialling a new method of recording parcel examinations with greater detail which will be held centrally and will provide improved management information and ability to assure the activity.

Home Office accepted: A review of current safe systems of working and risk assessments will be conducted for Fast Parcel activity focusing on transport and safe search practices. A review of the health and safety equipment at fast parcel locations and in operational vehicles will also be completed.

Home Office accepted: The Home Office have recently created the Data Tasking and Co-Ordination Group as a route for Border Force teams to raise taskings to address data needs. We are developing an IT capability for Safety & Security compliance enabling us to monitor and identify data compliance issues. The Home Office are working closely with HMRC the policy owners for Safety & Security as well as on their review of Bulk Import Reduced Data Set (BIRDS) and other issues raised in the report. Moreover, we will engage further with the Express Operator and Fast Parcel Operators along with their representative body AICES to discuss how to better work together and identify an appropriate format/forum to discuss data issues, but also broader issues identified in recommendation 10.

Home Office accepted: The Home Office will conduct a review of skill sets held for all operational Fast Parcel staff. Central Region will standardise and tailor the performance goals for individuals working in the Fast Parcel environment. This will be implemented for the 2024/25 performance plan and embed over the reporting year.