The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) became operational at 11pm on 31 December 2020. 

The IMA’s key roles and responsibilities include the following: 

  • Monitor the application of European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) citizens’ rights.
  • Promote the effective implementation of those rights. Those rights include that eligible citizens should be able to continue to live, work and raise families as they did before the UK left the EU.
  • Being able to receive complaints. Following receipt of a complaint the IMA must carry out a preliminary review of each complaint received and then carry out an inquiry if it decides to do so.
  • Being able to carry out inquiries, following requests from the Secretary of State (SoS) or Ministers of the Devolved Administrations (DA), following a complaint or on its own initiative and prepare a report following any inquiry.
  • Being able to make an application for review (judicial review in England and Wales, an application to the Court of Session in Scotland) and to intervene in any existing legal proceedings.
  • Having regard to the importance of addressing general or systemic failings in the implementation of the citizens’ rights parts of the agreements – though it will not be precluded from looking at individual matters.

During our first year in operation, we have used our powers to challenge when the rights of citizens are not being upheld. We have worked with public bodies to resolve issues as soon as possible. 

We have intervened in legal proceedings in front of the Supreme Court and have initiated our own Judicial Review against the Home Office in respect of arrangements for transition from pre-settled to settled status. 

Together with staff, executive and non-executive directors, we have successfully established an organisation to ensure the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members are upheld by public bodies. 

While we are funded by the UK Government and sit as an arm’s length body of the Ministry of Justice, we are entirely independent and impartial. Our independence is something that we guard keenly to enable us properly scrutinise government and fulfil our functions. 

Ashley Fox Chair

Kate Chamberlain Chief Executive

Why the Independent Monitoring Authority is supporting Boardroom Apprentice

The IMA Board would like to play an active role supporting the development of those who want to serve on a public sector board to learn and gain experience in the safe, yet challenging and interesting environment of our Board and Committee meetings.

IMA’s Board Chair and Non-Executive members have a wealth of experience in Board and Committee membership in different public sector organisations and are keen to share their knowledge and experience to a Boardroom Apprentice. They recognise that training in this area is limited so their input would be invaluable.

The IMA Board recognises that Board succession planning is key to ensuring that public sector organisations can deliver on their functions continuously and effectively. The IMA Board sees training and development of future Board members as a key part of good succession planning, and a positive step towards ensuring increased diversity across public sector Boards. 

Location of Board and Committee Meetings

Independent Monitoring Authority

3rd Floor Civic Centre

Oystermouth Road

Swansea SA1 3SN

Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings

Board and Committee meetings are held quarterly. Most meetings take place during the day from 10-13.00.

Date of Board Meetings (January 2023 – December 2023)

16 March

15 June

28 September

14 December

Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January 2023 – December 2023)

Audit and Risk Committee

9 March

12 May

8 June

14 September

8 December

HR and Remunerations Committee

19 January

27 April

13 July

12 October

Delivery and Impact Committee

9 February

18 May

10 August

9 November