DIUS Interim Permanent Secretary Announced Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 17:07

The Cabinet Secretary has agreed with the Secretary of State that Sir Jon Shortridge will become interim Permanent Secretary for DIUS when Ian Whatmore leaves on 21 May. The competition to find a permanent successor is on-going.

Sir Jon Shortridge retired from the civil service last year, having spent the last nine years of his career as Permanent Secretary in Wales - first of the Welsh office, then of the National Assembly for Wales, and from May 2007 of the Welsh Assembly Government.

He joined the civil service as a social researcher in the 1960s. He qualified as a town planner, and worked as a planner in local government for nine years before joining the Welsh Office in 1984. During his time at the Welsh Office he, amongst other things, reorganised local government in Wales, established the North Wales Child Abuse Tribunal, and led the team responsible for establishing the Assembly.

In retirement, he has taken a close interest in governance and higher education issues. He is a Council member of Cardiff University (a position from which he will be stepping down during his time at DIUS), and a member of the independent audit panel of Cardiff County Council.

Commenting upon his appointment, Sir John said:

"I am delighted to have this opportunity to provide temporary leadership to DIUS. I have been very impressed with what the Department has achieved during its short life, and am looking forward very much to working with its staff and stakeholders to build on this success."

DIUS Secretary of State, John Denham, said:

"I welcome Jon's appointment to DIUS. This is an important time for the Department's agenda. Jon has an excellent track record and I look forward to working with him."

Sir Jon Shortridge will start in his role as interim Permanent Secretary for DIUS on 26 May.