Head of Customs and Immigration to retire

 

Having joined the department in 1976 as a customs officer, Mr Robinson rose to become head in 2006, receiving seven commendations for drugs investigations on the way. He managed the integration of the Customs and Excise Department and the Immigration and Nationality Department, and led the transformation of the the way in which staff work.

 

Mr Robinson said "Promoting multifunctional ways of working has been my top priority, in order to help the service to work more efficiently. I have also ensured that succession planning is in place so that all staff members can realistically aspire to reach senior positions, which I believe is vital in order to attract and retain the best staff.

 

“I regard it as a privilege to have had my career with Customs and Immigration. The work has been varied and fulfilling but with some interesting challenges along the way. I have been extremely fortunate to have had excellent colleagues who I also regard as friends – I will miss them all.”

 

Born and educated in Jersey, Mr Robinson went to Birmingham University from De La Salle College and then joined a chartered accountancy firm as an articled clerk in 1973. A year later he moved to the Social Security Department as a contributions clerk and became a customs officer in July 1976. Between 1990 and 2002 he was an assistant director within every section of Customs and Excise and become a director in 2002.

 

Mr Robinson, who is married with three children, lists golf, running, swimming, theatre and following Liverpool FC among his hobbies.

 

A search for his successor has begun, and the position will be advertised in the next few weeks.

 

The Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Ian Le Marquand, said “Michael Robinson has enjoyed an exemplary career in public service playing an increasingly prominent part in keeping the Island’s borders safe. Through his initiative in introducing multifunctional officers capable of undertaking both customs and immigration duties he has led the Service to becoming the efficient organisation that it is today. We should all be very grateful for Mike’s dedicated years of service.”