Customs head set to retire after almost four decades with service

Wednesday 15 January 2025

The head of Jersey Customs and Immigration is retiring this month after 38 years with the service.

Mark Cockerham joined JCIS as an officer back in April 1986, and has been in the top role for six years.

Mr Cockerham said it had been an "absolute privilege" to lead "such a hard-working, able workforce who have such an important role".

Pictured: Mark Cockerham had led the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service since 2018.

He added: "The remit of the service is very wide and has impacts way beyond the border, in terms of revenue collection, customer service and generally making the island a safer place.

"Certainly, I’m looking forward to having more time to focus on family time, but I will miss working with such a great bunch of people."

Rhiannon Small has been appointed as the new head of JCIS, following what the government described as a "robust process" overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, and will start on 1 February.

Ms Small joined JCIS in 2006 and currently leads the Goods Control Unit, overseeing the regulation of trade and import and export of freight in the island, a role which sees her deal with over 12,000 consignments arriving in Jersey every day.

Justice and Home Affairs chief officer Kate Briden said: “I want to formally thank Mark for his long and exemplary service to the Customs and Immigration Service and the Government of Jersey and wish him all the very best for the future.

“I congratulate Rhiannon on her appointment and look forward to working with her as she leads the service into the future.”

Pictured: Rhiannon Small has been appointed as the new head of Jersey Customs and Immigration.

Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said: “As a former serving police officer, I’m aware of the invaluable and detailed work that JCIS is involved in, to make the island a safer place to live.

“We are indebted to Mark’s 38 years of service to the island and in particular his leadership over the past six years, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Express recently spoke to Mr Cockerham about his work on Operation Elf – a high-stakes case involving cross-border raids, covert surveillance, and forensic breakthroughs, culminating in the sentencing of five men and the seizure of £270,000 worth of drugs.

Click HERE to read the full interview.