The New Year brings new faces to the role of the Head of the Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary.
Sir Bob Kerslake and Sir Jeremy Heywood are now formally in their new posts and as part of their early introductions they wanted to share a message with the whole of the Civil Service.
Sir Bob Kerslake will combine his new role of the Head of the Civil Service with his current role as the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Head of the Civil Service is responsible for providing professional and corporate leadership to the Civil Service. Sir Bob will be undertaking UK-wide Civil Service visits every Friday. He will also be writing his own blog and looking to find new ways to interact with many of you and hear your views on key issues. Please do suggest ideas to your department’s internal communications if you have any immediate suggestions.
Sir Jeremy Heywood has moved from his Permanent Secretary role in No10 to Cabinet Secretary. The Cabinet Secretary is the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister’s most senior policy advisor, acting as Secretary to the Cabinet, responsible to all Ministers for the running of the Cabinet and its committees.
Both roles report directly to the Prime Minister, with the Head of the Civil Service also reporting to the Minister for the Cabinet Office.
Words of welcome from the Prime Minister:
“I would like to welcome Bob and Jeremy to their new roles as Head of the Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary. With such a wealth of experience and knowledge between them, I feel confident that at a time of considerable challenge and change for the Civil Service, they will provide strong and effective leadership on the key issues in 2012 and beyond.
The demands placed on Civil Servants have rarely been higher – to develop new skills and capabilities whilst continuing to drive the implementation of Government priorities, deliver stretching financial savings, and maintain the high standards we have all come to expect. We are rightly proud of our Civil Service in this country, and it is highly regarded around the world. I would like to join Bob and Jeremy in applauding your strength, professionalism and dedication to public service – and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you over the coming year.”
Words of welcome from the Deputy Prime Minister:
“I look forward to working closely with Jeremy and Bob. They are a new team but bring great experience to leading the Civil Service. Jeremy has been a valued advisor to three Prime Ministers. Over the last eighteen months, I have developed the highest regard for his abilities. I have known Bob for many years and know that he will lead the Civil Service with clarity, determination and pace. Both are exceptional leaders and combine the breadth of knowledge and experience needed in these roles to steer the Civil Service through challenging times.”
Words of welcome from the Minister for the Cabinet Office, responsible for the Civil Service:
“The Civil Service is in a period of immense change which puts many demands on the talents and expertise of those who work in it. It is therefore key that we have effective leadership to help reform and shape the Service to ensure it continues to be admired and emulated around the world. I look forward to working with Bob and Jeremy in making this happen.”
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