The Government Property Agency has appointed two highly experienced civil service leaders, Erin Robinson and Helen Mills, as its new joint Chief Operating Officers, introducing a job-share leadership model to oversee corporate services and operational delivery across the organisation.
The appointment reflects a growing commitment across government to flexible and inclusive leadership structures, with Robinson and Mills bringing a wealth of experience from senior roles across Whitehall.
The pair previously demonstrated the effectiveness of a co-leadership approach at the former Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), where they worked together as People and Transformation Directors.
In their new positions, Robinson and Mills will operate as a single executive office, sharing full accountability for delivering the GPA’s strategic and operational objectives. The arrangement is designed to provide continuity, resilience and complementary expertise at executive level as the agency continues its work supporting a modern government estate.
Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Erin and Helen to the GPA. Their arrival to the agency highlights our attempts to embrace co-leadership models while championing modern, flexible and inclusive ways of working across the Civil Service. Working alongside our executive committee, they will focus on empowering our people, driving operational excellence, and supporting delivery on a smaller, better and greener government office estate.”
The appointments come at a pivotal time for the GPA as it continues to deliver workplace transformation across the Civil Service, helping create more efficient, sustainable and collaborative working environments.
Operating under a shared leadership model, Robinson and Mills said they are eager to build on their long-standing relationship with the GPA and support its future ambitions.
In a joint statement, the new COOs said:
“We are delighted to be joining GPA and taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer at this pivotal time for the organisation and for the Civil Service. Having worked in partnership with the GPA for many years as customers and clients, we are excited to build on that experience to support in delivering great places to work for civil servants.
“We look forward to working with colleagues, government partners, and suppliers to drive forward GPA’s objectives and to share best practice in delivering a shared delivery model across government.”
Robinson brings significant operational and transformation experience to the role, having previously held senior leadership positions at the Cabinet Office, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Government Digital Service, where she served as Chief Operating Officer. Most recently at DSIT, she led a major programme focused on ensuring the department had the skills, organisational structures and systems required to achieve its strategic objectives.
Mills has spent much of her career leading HR, operational and programme management functions across government. Before joining DSIT, she held director-level roles in several departments, including the Department for Exiting the European Union, where she led the corporate centre. Her experience also includes senior positions within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Cabinet Office and HMRC.
Together, the pair will play a central role in shaping the GPA’s future direction, supporting the delivery of a more efficient, sustainable and effective government office estate.
Image credit: Government Property Agency
