Hi, my name’s Greg and I am Acting Chief Immigration Officer within Immigration Enforcement (IE). I have worked here for nearly 4 years.
I chose this role because I wanted a job where I could help make a difference and work with the public and other law enforcement agencies. I enjoy the fast-paced environment where no two days are ever the same.
I was always interested in the Police growing up and didn’t know too much about IE. However, on reading the job advert, it looked like an interesting line of work, and I have not looked back since. I joined the Home Office right at the start of COVID, so after a slower than normal start, things have been extremely fast paced ever since.
Day-to-day, the work is always different. Within IE in Scotland, we work various shifts covering 7 days a week. We undertake enforcement or compliance visits to premises. either commercial or residential. that are planned well in advance so that you can prepare; however, we sometimes get “hot tasking” which requires officers to act quickly on the ground and respond. Acting in the role I am just now, I help with the day to day running of the department, making sure staff are aware of what they are required to do, and to make decisions for Police call-outs and enforcement visits.
I enjoy the variety of the work. You encounter so many different people and nationalities and get to learn about lots of different cultures which I find very interesting.
Outside of work I spend most of my time with my family. This can be a bit of a juggle; however, my managers are always very understanding whenever I need time off for family commitments.
One of the great things about working for the Home Office is there are always opportunities to develop yourself. Starting within the team, there are opportunities to take on other roles, for example, I am a Single Point of Contact for ATLAS, one of the new systems within the Home Office. I enjoy training staff and sending out updates when required. There are also opportunities for promotion within the Home Office and the Civil Service as a whole.
I have recently taken a temporary position to gain experience in the role to help me with future applications. The job also comes with a great salary and pension scheme. My advice to anyone considering a career at the Home Office is to go for it.
