Permanent Under-Secretary for Defence
The Permanent Under-Secretary for Defence, also known as the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), serves as the government's principal civilian adviser on all defence matters. This critical role ensures the stability and professional management of the UK's defence infrastructure, bridging the gap between political leadership and operational execution.
Based in London at the Ministry of Defence, the office holder is appointed by the Prime Minister and operates within the Senior Civil Service (SCS) Pay Band 4. The position is designed to provide continuity in leadership, remaining in place regardless of changes in the elected government.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Current Incumbent: Jeremy Pocklington (since 31 October 2025).
- Primary Role: Principal civilian adviser to the government on Defence.
- Financial Authority: Serves as the MOD Principal Accounting Officer.
- Appointment: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
- Formation: The current format of the office was established in 1963/1964.
- Reporting Line: Reports to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Cabinet Secretary.
Responsibilities and Governance
The Permanent Under-Secretary holds a broad mandate that encompasses strategic, administrative, and financial leadership. Working closely with the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), the Permanent Secretary is responsible for leading the defence organization and setting the corporate strategy, subject to the direction of government ministers.
Administrative and Policy Leadership
As the head of the Department of State and the MOD Civil Service, the office holder manages the overall organization, staffing, and management of defence. They provide essential policy advice to ministers and lead the coordination and relationship with other government departments.
Financial Accountability
A primary function of the role is serving as the Principal Accounting Officer. In this capacity, the Permanent Secretary is personally accountable to Parliament for the economic, efficient, and effective use of defence resources. This includes the delegation of financial authority to senior colleagues and providing evidence to the Defence Select Committee.
Committee Memberships
To ensure integrated governance, the Permanent Secretary is a member of several key bodies:
- Defence Council
- Defence Board
- Defence Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
- People Committee
- Investment Approvals Committee
- Executive Committee
Historical Evolution
The position in its modern form was created following the Defence (Transfer of Functions) Act 1964. On April 1, 1964, the Admiralty, the War Office, and the Air Ministry were absorbed into an enlarged Ministry of Defence. Consequently, the separate permanent secretaries of those three departments were replaced by a single Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence.
Before this consolidation, the earlier Ministry of Defence (1947–1964) had its own permanent secretaries. Henry Hardman became the inaugural holder of the post in its current format in 1964.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบSummary of Office Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Style | Permanent Secretary |
| Appointer | Prime Minister |
| Deputy | Second Permanent Secretary |
| Salary Grade | SCS Pay Band 4 |
| Seat | Ministry of Defence, London |
Chronology of Office Holders
Early Ministry of Defence (1947–1964)
- Sir Henry Wilson Smith (1947)
- Sir Harold Parker (1948)
- Sir Richard Powell (1956)
- Sir Edward Playfair (1960)
- Sir Robert Scott (1961)
- Sir Henry Hardman (1964)
Modern Ministry of Defence (1964–Present)
Following the 1964 reorganization, the role was held by a succession of officials, including Henry Hardman (1964–1966), James Dunnett (1966–1974), and more recently, Stephen Lovegrove (2016–2021) and David Williams (2021–), leading to the current appointment of Jeremy Pocklington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Permanent Under-Secretary for Defence?
The current incumbent is Jeremy Pocklington, who assumed the role on 31 October 2025.
What is the difference between the Secretary of State and the Permanent Under-Secretary?
The Secretary of State is a political appointee (Minister), while the Permanent Under-Secretary is a career civil servant who serves as the principal civilian adviser and manages the department's administration and finances.
What does it mean to be the Principal Accounting Officer?
It means the Permanent Secretary is personally accountable to Parliament for ensuring that the Ministry of Defence's resources are used economically, efficiently, and effectively.
How was the role created in 1964?
The role was established when the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry were absorbed into a single, enlarged Ministry of Defence under the Defence (Transfer of Functions) Act 1964.
Who does the Permanent Under-Secretary report to?
The office holder reports to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Cabinet Secretary.