Contact Permanent Secretaries
Permanent Secretaries are the most senior civil servants in government departments. They are responsible for ensuring their department delivers policy effectively and can be held accountable for systemic failures.
Understanding the Role
Permanent Secretaries are the administrative heads of government departments. They are responsible for the management of their department, the implementation of policy, and accounting for departmental spending. Unlike ministers, they remain in post across changes of government.
Key Departments for Disability & Health Advocacy
Department of Health and Social Care
DHSCNHS, public health, social care, patient safety
Department for Work and Pensions
DWPBenefits, disability assessments, PIP, employment support
Cabinet Office
COCivil service standards, public sector reform, government efficiency
Department for Education
DfESEND provision, educational support, EHCPs
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
DLUHCLocal government, housing adaptations, council services
HM Treasury
HMTPublic spending, funding allocations, economic policy
Government Equalities Office
GEOEquality legislation, disability strategy
Writing to Permanent Secretaries
When to Write
Consider writing to a Permanent Secretary when you have exhausted normal complaint routes or when raising systemic issues that require attention at the highest administrative level.
Addressing Your Letter
Address your letter to "Dear [Name]" or "Dear Permanent Secretary". Reference specific policies, statutory duties, or previous correspondence. Be precise about the systemic issue and the remedy you seek.
Key Points to Include
- Reference to relevant legislation (Equality Act 2010, Care Act 2014, etc.)
- Description of systemic failures and their impact
- Previous attempts to resolve the issue through normal channels
- Clear request for specific action or response
Civil Service Accountability
Permanent Secretaries are bound by the Civil Service Code and are accountable to Parliament as Accounting Officers. They can be summoned to appear before Select Committees.