Permanent Secretary - Project Open Gov

The most senior civil servant in a government department.

Category: Government roles and offices

Also used as: Permanent Secretary, Permanent Secretaries, departmental permanent secretary, senior civil servant

Official website: Read GOV.UK information on the Civil Service

Source / explainer: Read GOV.UK information on the Civil Service

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

A Permanent Secretary is the most senior civil servant in a government department. They provide leadership for the department’s civil service and work with ministers to support policy and delivery. The role is relevant to accountability, lobbying transparency and the Business Appointment Rules.

Related terms

Business Appointment RulesRules applying when former ministers, civil servants and some Crown servants take up roles after leaving office.Civil Service CommissionThe independent body now providing Business Appointment Rules advice for some senior Crown servants.MinisterA member of the government with responsibility for a policy area or department.Register of Consultant LobbyistsThe statutory register for consultant lobbyists lobbying UK Government ministers or permanent secretaries on behalf of clients.