The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister,
has announced the appointment of Dr Jo Farrar CB OBE as the new
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice to help deliver on
the Plan for Change mission to make the country's streets safer.
Jo is currently the Chief Executive Officer at NHS Blood and
Transplant and previously served as Second Permanent Secretary in
the Ministry of Justice with a remit covering HM Prison and
Probation Service, the Office of the Public Guardian, the Legal
Aid Agency, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Jo will take on the post previously held by Dame Antonio Romeo
DCB, who was appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Home
Office by the Prime Minister earlier this year.
Through the Plan for Change, the Ministry of Justice is focused
on the ‘Safer Streets' mission—working to reduce serious harm and
increase public confidence in policing and the criminal justice
system.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, , said:
I am delighted to welcome Jo back to the Ministry of Justice at
such a pivotal time for the department. I know that she shares my
passion for reforming the justice system, protecting the public
by cutting reoffending and supporting victims.
I am also extremely grateful to Amy Rees for her exceptional
leadership as Interim Permanent Secretary during such a
significant spring and summer for the department, and that she
has agreed to continue in that role until Jo is in post.
Cabinet Secretary, Sir , said:
I would like to congratulate Jo Farrar on her appointment as
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice. Jo's deep
experience of the justice sector and impressive track record on
delivery make her excellently suited to lead the Ministry of
Justice at this time and drive delivery of the department's
missions under the Plan for Change.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank for her excellent leadership
of the Ministry of Justice over the last four years and Amy Rees
for her role as interim Permanent Secretary.
Dr Jo Farrar said:
It is a genuine privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary at
the Ministry of Justice. I have seen first-hand the remarkable
dedication and expertise that colleagues bring every
day—protecting the public, supporting victims, and upholding the
rule of law.
I am full of pride and excitement to lead the department and work
with the Lord Chancellor and Ministers to deliver our vital
mission.
Interim Permanent Secretary Amy Rees CB will continue in her role
until Jo takes up the position. and Michelle Jarman-Howe will
continue as Interim Chief Executive and Interim Director General
of Operations at HMPPS, respectively.