Head of Jersey Customs and Immigration Service retires

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 07:35

Mark Cockerham will retire from JCIS this month

Mark Cockerham is retiring as Head of Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.

He has spent almost four decades with the service, having joined as an officer in 1986.

He was promoted through the ranks to eventually become Head of Service in 2019. He will stand down at the end of this month.

Mr Cockerham said of his forthcoming departure:

“It’s been an absolute privilege to lead such a hard-working, able workforce who have such an important role.

"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.”

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Deputy Mary Le Hegarat has paid tribute to Mr Cockerham's public service:

“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.”

Rhiannon Small (pictured above) has been appointed as his successor from 1 February.

She joined JCIS in 2006 and has worked in both the Investigation and Intelligence Units. She currently leads the Goods Control Unit, which oversees the regulation of trade and import and export of freight into the island.