The most senior civil servant in a government department is known as what?

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In government departments, the most senior civil servant is the Permanent Secretary. This person sits at the top of the civil service in that department, keeping the administration running day to day, managing the budget and staff, and ensuring that policies agreed by ministers are implemented effectively. They are non-political, providing expert, impartial advice to the minister and acting as a stable, experienced leader across changes in government.

Other titles don’t fit as the top role. Chief Clerk is an older or lower-ranking term not used for the department’s senior civil servant today. Under-Secretary typically refers to a minister rather than a civil servant, so it isn’t the senior administrative head. Director General can be a high-ranking role within a department, but it sits below the Permanent Secretary in the usual hierarchy.