Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 7 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 June 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 June 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what refresher training is in place for experienced immigration caseworkers.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what refresher training is in place for experienced immigration caseworkers. [177934] Mr. Browne: All asylum caseworkers receive refresher training to consolidate their interviewing skills after they have been in post for three months. There is also a rolling programme of workshops run by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, the aim of which is to equip caseworkers better to interview asylum applicants who have been victims of torture. Other additional training is provided as and when required, such as in respect of changes in legislation or procedures or in response to weaknesses identified by quality assurance work. For example, all asylum caseworkers have recently been invited to attend a refresher course to better equip them to deal with human rights allegations raised alongside asylum claims. In addition, representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also undertake presentations to provide information about their work and to discuss the procedures and criteria for determining refugee status with asylum caseworkers.

Secondary information