§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what audit is done on the performance and operation of entry clearance officers in British embassies and consulates. [101910]
§ Mr. VazThe performance and operation of individual entry clearance officers (ECOs) in overseas Posts is assessed in the first instance by their Entry Clearance Managers (ECMs). ECMs are required to review all refusal decisions taken by ECOs within 24 hours, and to review a percentage of visas issued within a defined timescale.
In common with all FCO staff, ECOs, both UK based and locally engaged, receive annual appraisals of performance which are carried out by Line Managers.
As part of the overall management of the entry clearance operation overseas, the FC0's Migration and Visa Division (MVD) monitors key performance indicators from data sent by overseas posts in monthly and annual statistical returns.
631WThe data allow the Division to monitor and analyse Posts' and ECO's performance to ensure that best use is being made of available resources.
In addition, MVD carries out operational reviews of Entry Clearance Sections. These, together with Reviews carried out by Internal Audit teams and the Management Consultancy Service of the FCO, provide a further means of monitoring the performance of Entry Clearance staff and Posts.
The Independent Monitor (Asylum and Appeals Act 1993), Dame Elizabeth Anson DBE, JP, DL, also carries out independent checks of applications refused which do not carry a right of appeal. Her Annual Report is laid before Parliament.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what training is made available to foreign nationals working in the entry clearance offices of British embassies and consulates. [101911]
§ Mr. VazAll entry clearance officers, regardless of nationality, attend an initial three week training course in London.
Locally engaged clerical staff and other support staff receive desk training in their overseas Posts supplemented by distance learning packages supplied by the FCO. Many also benefit from attendance on our three day regional training courses conducted in all regions of the world on a three year cycle by visiting training staff from London. Where numbers merit it, separate training is provided for interpreters.