The MOD Permanent Secretary, with the approval of the Prime
Minister, has today (20 April 2023) announced that Paul Lincoln
has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Secretary
at the MOD.
The Second Permanent Secretary’s current portfolio covers
leadership of a number of high-profile areas across MOD including
Defence Strategy, transformation and reform, security and
resilience, space policy, science and technology, net assessment
and challenge, trade and economic security and strategic
relationships with industry. The Permanent Secretary portfolios
are subject to change.
Paul’s career has covered a broad range of leadership roles in
the MOD, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office.
Prior to his current role in industry, Paul was Director General
Border Force in the Home Office, with responsibility for
protecting border security and overseeing immigration and customs
checks. Other senior roles have included Director General of the
Home Office’s Crime, Policing and Fire Group and Acting Director
General of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism,
covering the full spectrum of responsibilities for countering
terrorism and organised crime.
The Secretary of State for Defence said:
I am delighted to hear that Paul Lincoln has been appointed as
the MOD’s Second Permanent Secretary. Having had the pleasure of
working with him before at the Home Office, I know he brings with
him enormous experience not just from that department but from
previous service in Defence and from working on national security
at the Cabinet Office. With the threats rising all the time,
Defence faces a particularly challenging period, so Paul’s
expertise will be invaluable in helping us navigate the way
ahead.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence said:
Paul’s appointment as Second Permanent Secretary comes at a
crucial time for Defence. The Integrated Review Refresh, and the
upcoming Defence Command Paper Refresh are setting the direction
and laying out the ways that Defence needs to reform. Agile
transformation programmes that embrace digital, innovation and
science and technology will be critical to maintaining and
enhancing our competitive advantage. Paul’s wide experience, not
to mention his time in MOD, makes him a great fit for the
challenges we face. I and the rest of the senior team are looking
forward to working with him.
Paul Lincoln said:
I am delighted to be returning to the Ministry of Defence, where
I started my Civil Service career. I look forward to working with
the Defence Secretary, the Ministerial team and the excellent
people in Defence - both civilian and military colleagues alike –
in delivering the Government’s plans at this critically important
time for Defence.
