Launching the 'call for evidence', David Bolt said:
In my 2020-21 Inspection Plan, I indicated that I would be carrying out a further inspection of 'Asylum Casework'. Work on this has now begun and I am inviting anyone with relevant knowledge and experience to write to me with their evidence and views of how the system is working.
In my previous report "An inspection of asylum intake and casework" published in November 2017, I examined the asylum process from registration of a claim through to the initial decision, including the timeliness and quality of decisions. I also looked at the progress made by the Home Office in implementing the recommendations from my 2015 inspection of Asylum Casework and the 2016 inspection of 'lorry drops'. In 2017, I also reported on how the Home Office ensured that the 'best interests' of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were considered.
For this latest inspection, I would be particularly interested to hear from those with first-hand experience of the asylum process regarding:
- the accessibility, clarity and adequacy of Home Office policies and guidance in relation to the asylum process, including country of origin information
- the availability, costs and quality of advice and support for asylum seekers
- the quality of screening interviews, substantive interviews and asylum decisions, including for asylum seekers who have protected characteristics
- timescales, including the reasons for delays
- communications, including decision letters and Home Office responsiveness to queries and challenges
The precise scope of the inspection is yet to be finalised so please feel free to include any other points you consider relevant and would like to see covered.
Please note: My statutory remit does not extend to investigating or making decisions about individual cases. This remains a Home Office responsibility. However, I am keen to hear about individual cases, insofar as they serve to illustrate particular points, issues or trends.
How to respond
