Janette Durbin
Biography
Janette Durbin assumed the shared interim position of Government Chief People Officer for the Civil Service and Director General for the Government People Group in November 2025, alongside Caitlin Kinsella, while maintaining her role as Executive Director for Senior Talent and Resourcing, which she has held since April 2015.
The Senior Talent and Resourcing team is responsible for developing world class leaders for the future Civil Service. For example, supporting the Cabinet Secretary in managing the appointment and development of Permanent Secretaries.
Janette was previously the HR Director in the Department for Education from May 2012 and, prior to that, HR Director at the Cabinet Office for three years. She spent much of her earlier career in human resources roles at the Ministry of Justice.
Joint Interim Government Chief People Officer
The Government Chief People Officer is the head of the Government People Function and Director General of the Government People Group.
The responsibility of the GCPO includes:
- Overseeing the delivery of cross-government HR strategy and workforce planning.
- Leading the Government People Function and HR Profession in government.
- Ensuring the right policies and structures are in place to create an efficient and effective Civil Service.
- Improving the way we attract and develop talented civil servants who can deliver the Government’s agenda.
Executive Director for Senior Talent and Resourcing
Civil Service Senior Talent and Resourcing is responsible for developing individuals who have the talent and aspiration for the most senior roles in the Civil Service. This includes supporting the Cabinet Secretary in managing the appointment and development of Permanent Secretaries.
Previous roles in government
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Director, Human Resources