Permanent Secretary Sir Bob Kerslake announced as new Head of Civil Service
Sir Bob Kerslake, DCLG Permanent Secretary, has been announced as the new Head of the Civil Service.
The appointment was confirmed by Downing Street. Sir Bob, who joined the department a year ago, will take on his new responsibilities alongside his existing role after Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell retires at the end of the year.
As previously announced, Sir Gus’s responsibilities will be separated out after he steps down, with Jeremy Heywood - currently Permanent Secretary at Number 10 - set to take over as the new Cabinet Secretary.
Before taking over the top job at DCLG, Sir Bob served as the first chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency. He has also served as chief executive of Sheffield City Council.
Commenting on the news, Sir Bob said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be given this leadership role at such an important time for the Civil Service. We have immense strengths in the service that we should be justly proud of, but we must also embrace change. I want to engage all parts of the Civil Service in the reform process.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“I am delighted to announce that Sir Bob Kerslake will become Head of the Civil Service in January, working alongside Jeremy Heywood as Cabinet Secretary. Sir Bob brings with him a wealth of experience in both central and local government, gained from over 20 years of public service. This is a time of significant change and challenge for the Civil Service - driven by the demands for new skills and capabilities, and the delivery of substantial financial savings without compromising on standards. I feel absolutely confident that Bob and Jeremy will provide the leadership to ensure that our Civil Service continues to be admired around the world for its strength and professionalism.”