Leadership change in the civil service: How can new permanent secretaries deliver for government?

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As well as the election of a new government, the last year has seen the appointment of a new cabinet secretary and eight new permanent secretaries to lead departments.  

How will this new leadership cohort change the civil service? What should they prioritise as they get to grips with their new departments? And how can they build the most talented teams to deliver the government’s priorities?

To explore these questions, with a particular focus on the Civil Service Commission’s role in recruiting senior leaders and developing the talent pipeline, the IfG was delighted to be joined for a panel discussion on civil service leadership and change by:

• Atul Devani, Civil Service Commissioner and entrepreneur
• John-Paul Marks CB, First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HM Revenue and Customs
• Baroness Gisela Stuart, First Civil Service Commissioner 

Baroness Stuart spoke briefly to consider the opportunities and challenges for the civil service. She spoke to the Commission’s strategic priorities for 2025–27.  

The event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.