New Director-General for Office of Security and Counter Terrorism appointed
The new head of Home Office security and counter terrorism to take up post in April.
Home Office
Thomas Hurd has been appointed as the new Director-General for the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT) at the Home Office. He replaces Charles Farr, who has recently been appointed as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee.
Mr Hurd will begin work in April and will be responsible for the Government’s strategy, policy and legislative response to the threats of terrorism and organised crime.
He has held a number of senior posts in the fields of security and counter-terrorism and is an expert in Middle Eastern affairs, having worked as a senior diplomat with responsibility for the region. He received an OBE in 2006.
Home Secretary Theresa May said:
This is a critically important role, at the heart of the UK’s response to the threat we face from terrorists and serious criminals. I am delighted to welcome Tom to the Home Office. His wealth of experience working in counter-terrorism and security at home and abroad will be invaluable.
Permanent Secretary Mark Sedwill said:
I’m very pleased that Tom is joining the Home Office. I look forward to working with him to deliver the Government’s counter-terrorism and organised crime strategies, keeping our country safe and citizens secure. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Charles Farr for his excellent work at the helm of OSCT over the last eight years.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hurd said:
It is a privilege to join the Home Office. I look forward to working with colleagues across government, law enforcement and the security services to drive the UK’s response to the threats of terrorism and organised crime.