By Vivienne Russell | 15 November 2011
Former local government chief Sir Bob Kerslake will take over as head of the civil service when Sir Gus O’Donnell leaves at the end of the year, it was announced today.
O’Donnell’s twin post of Cabinet secretary and head of the civil service are being separated. Jeremy Heywood, currently permanent secretary at Number 10, will take on the Cabinet secretary role.
Kerslake will also retain his position as permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Commenting on his appointment, Kerslake said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to be given this leadership role at such an important time for the civil service. We have immense strength 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.’
Prime Minister David Cameron said: ‘This is a time of significant change and challenge for the civil service – drive by the demands for new skills and capabilities, and the delivery of substantial financial savings without compromising on standards.’
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added: ‘I know that Bob will lead the civil service with clarity, determination and pace.’
Before heading the DCLG, Kerslake was the first chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency and before then was chief executive of Sheffield City Council.
