Recommendation 18

We recognise that for a permanent secretary fostering a positive relationship with the secretary of state is, in itself, a matter of performance. The Recruitment Principles require panels to assess a candidate’s ability to work with the minister as part of the permanent secretary appointment process and it is rare that a breakdown in relationship occurs. However, forming a positive relationship is a two-way process. Incoming ministers must allow permanent secretaries time to establish a productive relationship before seeking their removal. It is vital that ministers prize expertise and good advice over pre-conceived notions about their ability to work with a particular permanent secretary. Removal on the grounds of a poor working relationship must not become cover for arbitrary removal of permanent secretaries on political or ideological grounds.