Jeremy Pocklington has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, following approval by the Prime Minister.
Pocklington, currently serving as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will succeed David Williams, who is leaving the Civil Service, according to the government. Details of the process to appoint his successor at the energy department will be announced shortly.
The Ministry of Defence said Pocklington will take up the post at a pivotal time as the government delivers on its new Strategic Defence Review, which aims to modernise the armed forces and strengthen the UK’s security at home and abroad.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP welcomed the appointment, saying in the press release that “in this new era for defence, his leadership will help drive the delivery of our Strategic Defence Review, make defence an engine for growth and ensure Britain is secure at home and strong abroad.”
Healey also paid tribute to outgoing Permanent Secretary David Williams, saying he was “deeply grateful for his dedication in leading defence over the last four and a half years.” He praised Williams’s “commitment to public service” and said he had “helped to deliver on the government’s priorities and put people at the heart of defence.”
Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said in the press release that “Jeremy Pocklington’s leadership and delivery experience, gained as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, make him excellently suited to lead the Ministry of Defence at this critical time.” He also thanked Williams for “his excellent leadership of the Department over the last four years and his exceptional public service over the last 35 years.”
Pocklington described his appointment as “a huge privilege” and said he looks forward to “working with the Defence Secretary, the ministerial team, and our outstanding military and civilian teams across defence to drive forward Defence Reform.” He said the role comes at “a pivotal time for defence as we transform to deliver the Strategic Defence Review and ensure we protect the UK and our interests.”
He also expressed gratitude to colleagues at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, saying he was “proud of how much we collectively achieved.”
What relevant qualifications does Mr Pocklington have? I think the PUS gets to sit on the Defence Board?
Shouldn’t someone with relevant exposure to Defence and Security matters be a pre requisite for leading the civil side of the MoD?
Well Net Zero seemed to do a very good job of attracting funding, so he has that going for him.
Seems like the word “Permanent” is a little bit of a stretch.