Senior civil servant Susan Acland-Hood has been named top official at the Department for Education.
Ms Acland-Hood, who has been covering the role of the department’s permanent secretary on a temporary basis since September, has now been officially appointed to the post, the Cabinet Office announced today. Her promotion is effective immediately.
Tes reported in August that Ms Acland-Hood had been made second permanent secretary at the DfE, where she was trusted with taking charge of the aftermath of the exams grading fiasco.
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At the time, the government said she would “work closely” with then permanent secretary Jonathan Slater, “to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people up and down the country”.
But it was announced just five days later that Mr Slater had been sacked as the department’s top official.
New top DfE official promises ‘passion and determination’
Ms Acland-Hood took his place as acting permanent secretary. Today, the Cabinet Office announced that she will assume the role on a permanent basis.
Ms Acland-Hood previously spent two years at the DfE as director of education funding and has been a senior adviser on education policy in 10 Downing Street.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I want to congratulate Susan on her permanent appointment as permanent secretary here at the Department of Education.
“Having worked closely with Susan over the last few months, I know she is a great leader and has the skills and experience to really deliver the government’s ambitious agenda to level up education across the country, giving every child an equal opportunity to succeed.
“Susan is an outstanding civil servant with extensive experience across government and education policy, and I look forward to working with her as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Cabinet secretary Simon Case said: “I am delighted Susan has been appointed as permanent secretary to the Department for Education.
“She will bring a wealth of relevant experience to the role and a genuine enthusiasm for the agenda, having served in the department previously. Under her leadership, I am confident that the department will deliver high-quality education and children’s services for everyone.”
Ms Acland-Hood said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Department for Education since September, and I am honoured and delighted to have been confirmed as the permanent secretary.
“Shaping the department and supporting its committed, brilliant staff to do the best possible job for children, and for students and learners of all ages, has never mattered more, and I take up the challenge with passion and determination.”
