02 August 2019
The current Acting Head of Customs and Immigration has been named as the service’s new permanent Head of Service.
A former Victoria College pupil, Mark Cockerham joined the Customs and Excise Department as an Executive Officer in 1986. He was promoted through the ranks to become Director of Revenue and Immigration in 2016 and has been Acting Head for the past fifteen months.
Working on behalf of both the Minister for Home Affairs and the Group Director for Justice and Home Affairs, Mark is responsible for protecting Jersey’s borders by preventing unlawful entry by people and prohibited goods. The role also incorporates the position of Agent of the Impôts, which involves close working with the Comptroller of Taxes to collect import duties.
Mark brings to the position experience of leading numerous intelligence operations, working jointly with States of Jersey Police, Guernsey Border Agency, the French Investigation Service and UK enforcement agencies. These operations have resulted in several large commercial drug seizures with associated extraditions and prosecutions.
More recently Mark worked with the Group Director at Customer and Local Services to establish a framework for Passports, Legalisation and Customs clearance, and he is the strategic lead for his department’s Brexit preparation.
The Director General for Justice and Home Affairs, Julian Blazeby, said: “I’m delighted to announce Mark’s appointment as the new permanent Head of Customs and Immigration. Mark has been a committed public servant for more than 30 years and in that time he has worked to enhance delivery of the service that protects our borders and ensures immigration is managed effectively. More recently the impact of Brexit has led to additional challenges, and Mark has overseen the service’s preparations.
“Our main focus in Justice and Home Affairs is to keep islanders safe, and we are fortunate that our law enforcement and emergency services are led by such dedicated and professional public servants. I congratulate Mark on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work together to keep our community secure.”
Mark said: “It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to take on this role. There are a number of challenges when considering the movement of goods and people into Jersey, and of course Brexit is a major factor in future border control. But the safety and security of the Island is paramount. I am very fortunate to lead a dedicated team and I look forward to working with my equally committed colleagues from across Justice and Home Affairs.”
The appointment followed the Jersey Appointments Commission code of conduct.
Employment history
March 2018 to date – Acting Head of Customs and Immigration
2016-2018 – Director, Revenue and Immigration
2013-2016 – Director, Enforcement
2010-2013 – Assistant Director, Revenue Goods Control
2006-2010 – Assistant Director, Investigation and Frontiers
2003-2006 – Assistant Director, Intelligence
1998-2003 – held positions as Senior Officer in Intelligence, Frontiers, and Investigation
1997-1998 – Senior Officer Airport
1986 – joined Customs and Excise Department as an Executive Officer
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