CLG’s Sir Bob scoops top Civil Service post

Sir Bob Kerslake is to become the new head of the Civil Service following the retirement of the current incumbent, Sir Gus O’Donnell at the end of the year, although Sir Bob will retain his duties as Permanent Secretary at the CLG.

In further changes announced by the Cabinet Office, the role of head of Civil Service is to be made separate from the Cabinet Secretary role. Jeremy Heywood, currently Permanent Secretary at Number 10 will take over as Cabinet Secretary when Sir Gus retires.

Sir Bob is currently serving as the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and he will assume his new duties alongside his existing role at the department. The appointment follows a competition run by Sir David Normington, First Civil Service Commissioner.
Before becoming Permanent Secretary CLG last year, Sir Bob served as chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – which he established – and as chief executive of Sheffield City Council.

“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,” Sir Bob said.

The 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."

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg added: “I have known Sir Bob Kerslake for many years, since his time as Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council. He brings a wealth of experience of the public and voluntary sectors and a successful record of leadership at the highest levels. These are challenging times for public servants, but I know that Bob will lead the Civil Service with clarity, determination and pace. I look forward to working closely with him.”

Sir Gus O’Donnell said: “Bob has been an extremely impressive Permanent Secretary and has excellent wider experience of public service delivery. This stands him in great stead to be an outstanding Head of the Civil Service, and I wish him all the very best in his new role.”

The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister announced that they would be restructuring the top job in the Civil Service last month. The Head of the Civil Service will be responsible for providing professional and corporate leadership to the Civil Service, combining this role with their existing departmental role. The Cabinet Secretary will continue to be the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister’s most senior policy adviser and to act as Secretary to the Cabinet, responsible to all Ministers for the running of Cabinet Government. Both roles will report directly to the Prime Minister, and the Head of the Civil Service will also report to the Minister for the Cabinet Office.