Jo Farrar
Biography
Jo Farrar became the Chief Executive of HM Prison & Probation Service in April 2019 and Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice in March 2021.
Jo came from Local Government and Public Services, where she held the position of Director General and before her role at MHCLG, was Chief Executive of Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Prior to her career in local government she had a strong background in the Civil Service, with roles at the Department for Work and Pensions, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office.
Second Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Chief Executive Officer, HM Prison & Probation Service
The Second Permanent Secretary works closely with the Permanent Secretary on all aspects of Ministry of Justice leadership. Jo holds responsibility for Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and oversight for Legal Aid Agency, Official Solicitor and Public Trustee, Office of the Public Guardian and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
The CEO of HM Prison and Probation Service has the strategic management and accountability of the agency and is a member of Ministry of Justice Departmental Board executive management committee.
Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, Ministry of Justice, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Official Solicitor and Public Trustee, Legal Aid Agency, and Office of the Public Guardian
Previous roles in government
- Director General, Local Government and Public Services