ICIBI annual stakeholder engagement survey

Survey Signpost

The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) is conducting its annual survey to gather stakeholders’ views on inspection activity and how it can improve its stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholders who have previously engaged with ICIBI through forums, interviews or by submitting evidence for an inspection are invited to complete it.

The Independent Chief Inspector (ICI) is grateful for the support he receives from stakeholders and recognises the valuable contributions they make in informing the inspection programme, as well as providing evidence to support inspections.

The survey will ask questions relating to your experiences and opinions of ICIBI’s work and seeks to identify ways in which improvements could be made.

The results will be analysed and shared with the ICI. Headline findings will be published on ICIBI’s website.

The survey will not ask you for any personal details and your responses will be anonymous, but if you would like a response from us to anything you raise in the survey, please provide your email address at the end.

If you have any questions, or have any difficulty completing this survey, please contact outreach@icibi.gov.uk

The survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete and it will end at close of play on Tuesday 27 September 2022.

Start the survey here

Published 6 September 2022
Last updated 20 September 2022 + show all updates

  1. ICIBI Stakeholder Survey – Deadline extended to Tuesday 27 September 2022.

  2. First published.




Applications for 2023/2024 Chevening Türkiye awards are now open

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders.

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening offers two types of award – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships – the recipients of which are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world.

Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world.

Chevening provides fully-funded scholarships, leaving you free to focus on achieving your academic goals and enjoying the experience of a lifetime. You will live and study in the UK for a year, during which time you will develop professionally and academically, grow your network, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.

Applicants from Türkiye can choose any course of study at any UK higher education institution.

If you have ambition, leadership potential, and a strong academic background, we encourage you to apply before 1 November 2022.

Chevening award in Türkiye includes:

  • University tuition fees (Chevening applies a tuition fee cap of £22,000 to MBA programmes)
  • Round-trip airfare in economy class
  • The cost of an entry clearance (visa)
  • A monthly living allowance (stipend)
  • Additional grants and allowances to cover essential expenditure

Chevening award in Türkiye includes

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:

  • Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
  • Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your award has ended.
  • Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university by the time you submit your application. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK but may be different depending on your course and university choice.
  • Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
  • Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices by 13 July 2023.

*Candidates must meet all requirements of their chosen university, including the English language requirement, and secure an unconditional offer from one of their three course choices by the Chevening deadline.

You are not eligible for a Chevening Scholarship if you

  • Hold British or dual British citizenship (unless you are a citizen of a British Overseas Territory or hold BN(O) and are applying from Hong Kong).
  • Hold refugee status in a non-Chevening eligible country. Applicants who are citizens of a Chevening-eligible country and who hold refugee status in a Chevening-eligible country are eligible for a scholarship.
  • Are an employee, a former employee, or relative* of an employee of Her Majesty’s Government, or have been within the last two years from the opening of Chevening applications (including British embassies/high commissions; the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy; Department for International Trade; the Ministry of Defence; and the Home Office), or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
  • Employees, former employees, or relatives* of an employee of Chevening Partner organisations are eligible to apply, but if the employment took place within the last two years, you cannot receive a Chevening Partner Award from the organisation from which you work, previously worked, or are affiliated with through relatives.
  • Have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship.

How to Apply?

All applications for a Chevening Award must be made through the Chevening designated online application system, which can be accessed through Chevening website

If you have a question related to Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships applications please visit the frequently asked questions page.

Chevening Scholarship applications will close on 1 November 2022 at 12:00 GMT (midday UK time).




Appointment of Dean of Norwich: 6 September 2022

Press release

The Queen has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Dr Andrew Jonathan Braddock, Interim Dean of Gloucester, to be appointed Dean of Norwich.

The Queen has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Dr Andrew Jonathan Braddock, Interim Dean of Gloucester, to be appointed Dean of Norwich, in succession to The Very Reverend Jane Hedges following her retirement.

Andrew was educated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He served his title in the parishes of Ranworth with Panxworth, Woodbastwick, South Walsham and Upton, in the Diocese of Norwich and was ordained priest in 1999.

In 2001, Andrew was appointed Rector of Cringleford and Colney, also in the Diocese of Norwich, taking up the additional role of Rural Dean of Humbleyard in 2004. In 2008, Andrew was appointed Diocesan Missioner in the Diocese of Gloucester and in 2013, he became Canon Missioner of Gloucester Cathedral and Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry.

Andrew was commissioned as Interim Dean of Gloucester in April 2022.

Published 6 September 2022




RSH quarterly survey published for Q1 (April to June) 2022 to 2023

The Regulator of Social Housing has today (6 September) published the latest quarterly survey of registered providers’ financial health.

The report covers the period 1 April to 30 June 2022 and was completed before the launch of the Government’s consultation on rents for 2023/24. It shows that the sector remains financially robust with strong liquidity. Historically high levels of investment in existing stock continued, but the effects of wider economic pressures are becoming apparent.

The sector continues to raise new debt. Total agreed borrowing facilities increased by £0.5 billion in the quarter, reaching £119.3 billion by the end of June. New finance of £1.9 billion was agreed in the quarter, with 70% from capital markets. The sector has liquidity to cover forecast expenditure on interest costs, loan repayments and investment in new homes over the year.

Investment in major capitalised repairs stood at £503 million between April and June, the highest total ever recorded in a first quarter, but 33% below forecast. Labour and material shortages continue to impact on planned investment, and cost inflation is evident.

Providers continued to invest in new homes, with £2.9bn spent over the quarter. However, this was 14% below forecasts for contractually committed schemes. Providers reported that supply chain issues and planning delays are holding back some development projects. Total investment is expected to reach £18.2 billion over the next 12 months; 4% higher than previously forecast and reflecting reprofiling of earlier underspends.

Providers expect to see an average interest cover excluding sales of 98% over the next 12 months, which compares to 124% in the last financial year. This is due to forecast increased expenditure on repairs and maintenance, as well as higher interest payments. Providers continue to have headroom against covenants and flexibility to manage expenditure, but RSH will monitor liquidity in the sector closely, especially as rent policy is confirmed.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:

While the social housing sector remains financially strong, wider economic trends are starting to present challenges for providers. This is seen most clearly in cost inflation and material and labour shortages, as well as higher interest payments and potential changes to the rent ceiling. Boards will need to monitor these trends closely and have a strong focus on contingency planning to ensure they can respond quickly to emerging risks.

The quarterly surveys are available on the RSH website.

  1. The quarterly survey provides a regular source of information regarding the financial health of private registered providers, in particular with regard to their liquidity position.

  2. The quarterly survey returns summarised in the report cover the period from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022. The latest report is based on regulatory returns from 204 PRPs and PRP groups which own or manage more than 1,000 homes.

  3. Additional disclosures have been added to the quarterly survey return from April 2022: new lines have been added to the cashflow statement to provide an enhanced breakdown of sales receipts and repairs costs, and narrative questions regarding delays or changes to repairs and maintenance programmes have been introduced.

  4. For press office contact details, see our media enquiries page. For general queries, please email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5225.

  5. The Regulator of Social Housing promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver homes that meet a range of needs. It does this by undertaking robust economic regulation focusing on governance, financial viability and value for money that maintains lender confidence and protects the taxpayer. It also sets consumer standards and may take action if these standards are breached and there is a significant risk of serious detriment to tenants or potential tenants.




Chevening OCIS /Abdullah Gül Fellowship applications for 2023/2024 are now open

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowships are aimed at mid-career academics or professionals who are dedicated to the promotion of academic activities which encourage a more informed understanding of the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies.

The following fellowships are a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and OCIS:

  • Chevening OCIS Fellowship
  • Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship

Course/programme structure

Fellows will undertake a 6-month period of self-directed research focusing on their own project on the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies in a global context.

Fellows will benefit from meeting a multi-disciplinary group of scholars focusing on the Islamic world and have the opportunity to develop contacts with relevant individuals, discuss issues relating to the Islamic world, including Islamic history, classical Islamic sciences, economics and Islamic finance, and the study of Muslims in the West. Fellows will contribute to the Centre’s objective to encourage and promote sustained dialogue and collaboration within the global academic community of the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies.

OCIS is a recognized independent centre for the University of Oxford and provides a meeting point for the Western and Islamic worlds of learning.

This fellowship programme will commence in October 2023. Fellows will need to develop their own research project to focus on during their fellowship prior to arriving in the UK.

Fellows must reside in Oxford for the duration of their award. OCIS can provide information about accommodation options in Oxford upon selection.

Benefits

  • 6-month period of research at OCIS
  • Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
  • Return economy airfare from home country to the UK
  • Allowance package for research-related activities
  • Access to a programme of cultural events and activities organised by the FCDO and the Chevening Secretariat.

Eligibility

The Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship is available to applicants from Turkey.

To be eligible for a Chevening OCIS Fellowship, you must:

  • Demonstrate the potential to rise to a position of leadership and influence
  • Demonstrate the personal, intellectual and interpersonal attributes reflecting this potential
  • Be a citizen of Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan
  • Return to country of your citizenship at the end of the period of the fellowship
  • Hold a postgraduate level qualification (or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area) at the time of application
  • Have significant professional and/or academic research experience (at least five years)
  • Provide evidence of meeting at least the minimum English language abilities for Chevening Awards
  • Not hold British or dual-British citizenship
  • Not be an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee (since August 2020) of Her Majesty’s Government (including British embassies/high commissions, the Department for International Development, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office), or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Please note that applicants who have previously received financial benefit from a HMG-funded scholarship or fellowship are eligible to apply after a period of five years following the completion of their first HMG funded award. In these cases, applicants will be required to demonstrate their career progression from that point.

For more detailed information on the eligibility criteria for fellowships, read the guidance page on the Chevening website.