Recommendation 6

Given the importance of the Cabinet Secretary’s role, including as Head of the Civil Service, the appointment process for that post should be regularised, set out and made transparent in a manner similar to that for permanent secretaries. The exact nature of the process would need to be adapted in accordance with this unique role, with different considerations potentially applying to the roles of Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, should they be separated. This would strengthen permanent secretaries’ confidence in the management of the civil service. The closeness of the working relationship between the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister means that the Prime Minister should remain closely involved with the appointment and make the final choice. The Recruitment Principles should be updated to provide for a strengthened process for Cabinet Secretary and Head of Civil Service appointments. This should then be reflected in an updated Cabinet Manual. This would strengthen permanent secretaries’ confidence in the management of the civil service. The closeness of the working relationship between the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister means that the Prime Minister should remain closely involved with the appointment and make the final choice.