Workforce, Pensions and Training

Sir Bob Kerslake to go as reshuffle continues

Sir Bob Kerslake, head of the Home Civil Service and Permanent Secretary for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), is leaving his post amid the government’s highly political reshuffle.

A former chief executive of Sheffield City Council, Kerslake on social media has been described as a ‘first rate civil servant’. And whether he was ‘pushed’ or ‘jumped’ there was widespread belief that his departure is a big loss to government.

It is expected Kerslake, who was a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, will step down as head of the home civil service in the autumn and to retire as permanent secretary of the DCLG in February 2015.

During his career, Kerslake held a number of positions with councils in London before he became the chief executive of the London Borough of Hounslow followed by Sheffield City Council.

Prior to being appointed Permanent Secretary of the DCLG in September 2010, he was also chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency from 2008.

Angela Smith, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said on Twitter: “Bob Kerslake axed as head of Civil Service? Astonishing. Worked with Bob for 9yrs when he was CEO of Sheffield Council – a 1st class officer.”

UPDATE 

Following the departure of Sir Bob, the role of head of the home civil service will be handed to Downing Street's top official, Cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood, and the new chief executive will report to him once appointed. The new chief executive will also be permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office, while the current occupant of the role, Richard Heaton, will remain first parliamentary counsel.

(Image: c. Cabinet Office)

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