The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has announced that Shan Morgan will be the next Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government.

The Permanent Secretary leads the Welsh Government’s civil service and has responsibility for managing the £15 billion a year Welsh Government budget as well as leading the 5,000 staff that work for the organisation. Shan is currently UK Deputy Permanent Representative at UKRep in Brussels.

Commenting on the appointment, the First Minister said: “I am delighted to announce Shan’s appointment as the new Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government. It is a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious programme on behalf of the people of Wales. Getting the right leadership at the top of the Civil Service in Wales is critical, and I look forward to working closely with her on the long-term strategic agenda set out in Taking Wales Forward. While delivery on the big issues that make a difference to people’s everyday lives remains the key focus of this government, Shan’s significant experience in the Diplomatic Service and in Brussels will also be a vital asset as we push to get the best possible deal for Wales during and after the UK’s exit from the European Union.”

The recruitment process for the Permanent Secretary role included a panel interview with the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the UK Civil Service, Sir Jeremy Heywood and senior representatives from within and outside government.

The appointment has been made by the First Minister in agreement with Sir Jeremy, who said:  

“I would like to congratulate Shan on her appointment as Permanent Secretary for the Welsh Government. Shan brings with her a wealth of highly relevant EU, international and cross-government experience and I very much look forward to working with her as part of the senior leadership of the UK Civil Service.”

Commenting on her appointment, Shan Morgan said:

“I am delighted to be joining the Welsh Government at a key moment for implementation of the new five-year Programme for Government – 'Taking Wales Forward'.  I look forward very much to working with the First Minister, Cabinet, officials and wider stakeholders to make a success of the ambitious commitments in the Programme and to tackling the challenges involved in promoting prosperity and opportunity for all in Wales. It has been a privilege to work for the Diplomatic Service in a variety of roles, and to play a part in developing the UK’s relationship with the EU over the years. Whilst I am sorry to leave so many good friends and colleagues in Brussels, I am very excited to be taking up the new role.”

Ms Morgan will take up her new job early in the New Year.