Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service

Responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary are: ensuring the effective implementation of the Governments priorities and delivery of public services through departments. This includes providing advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on policy, propriety and the structure and operation of government, bringing departments together to deliver on cross cutting issues and unblocking problems where they arise;as Head of the Civil Service, it also means ensuring that departments have the necessary capability and leadership through the recruitment, performance management and development of Permanent Secretaries. This includes upholding the Ministerial, Special Adviser and Civil Service codes;supporting proper and effective government decision-making through the organisation and provision of advice to Cabinet and its sub-committees. The Cabinet Secretary attends all meetings of Cabinet and is responsible for the smooth running of Cabinet meetings and for preparing records of its discussions and decisions. This includes responsibility for advising the Prime Minister on all questions connected with the appointment and organisation of Cabinet committees;leading an effective and politically impartial Civil Service that commands the confidence of Ministers and Parliament. This includes ensuring that the Civil Service is a modern, professional and digitally enabled organisation that leads the way in world class administration of government and delivery of modern public services. It also means representing the Civil Service in all forums including in Parliament;overseeing the security and intelligence agencies and ensuring compliance with constitutional standards. The Cabinet Secretary is Principal Accounting Officer for the Single Intelligence Account;developing and maintaining a network of external stakeholders from across business, industry, civil society and the wider public sector in support of the Governments wider priorities, and using this network to ensure that the Government and Civil Service is able to draw on external expertise and advice where necessary;overseeing the Governments relationships with the Royal Household and ensuring the proper functioning of the United Kingdoms honours system; and,maintaining strong relationships with overseas counterparts to ensure that the United Kingdoms interests are well-served through these partnerships.