To ask Her Majesty's Government what qualifications are needed by UK Border Agency caseworkers; and what (1) standard, and (2) continued professional development, training is provided for UK Border Agency caseworkers.

Depending on the specific case working role, the current qualifications needed by UK Border Agency caseworkers are either (a) 2:2 degree, or two A-levels at grade C or above (b) 2:2 degree, or five GCSE at grade C or above.

All UK Border Agency staff receive mandatory e-learning in information management and information assurance, keeping children safe, human trafficking, health and safety awareness, introduction to diversity and equality, counterfraud, bribery and corruption.

There are a number of different case-working functions in the UK Border Agency. Each has a specific mandatory training programme which all caseworkers undertake prior to making casework decisions. Caseworkers also receive counter terrorism training and casework information database training. Caseworkers who interview applicants attend a mandatory two day personal safety training course. This is followed by an annual one day refresher course. Additional training is provided as caseworkers develop and progress in their role.

Report writing training is provided by Civil Service Learning and is mandatory for those engaged in providing reports for court or for intelligence reports. All officers engaged in these activities have completed this training.