Sarah Healey named DWP permanent secretary, replacing Peter Schofield
Dame Sarah Healey has been named as the Department for Work and Pensions’ next permanent secretary, with a transfer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government set for August. She will replace Sir Peter Schofield, who has held the post since 2018.
Healey will take charge of welfare reforms, changes to UK pensions and work on employment opportunities for young people. Pat McFadden said he was “delighted to welcome Sarah Healey as permanent secretary of DWP.”
Sarah Healey at DWP
Healey said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as permanent secretary of DWP.” She added: “The department touches millions of lives and I am excited by the opportunity to lead its ambitious reform agenda.”
That task comes after a long run through central government. Healey has worked across government departments since 2001, when she started in former prime minister Tony Blair’s number 10 strategy unit fresh out of university.
Pat McFadden on Sarah Healey
McFadden said Healey had “an outstanding record across government,” and said that experience was “exactly what’s needed” as the department works “to support people to realise their potential at every stage of life – providing opportunities to those who can work and security for those who cannot.”
He said Healey would take forward the department’s agenda to improve outcomes for customers through “modern, connected, personalised services.” He also paid tribute to Schofield for his “extraordinary commitment to public service over 35 years.”
Healey's government record
Before moving to MHCLG, Healey was permanent secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for four years. She oversaw work including the online safety act and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
She has also worked at the Department for Education as a director of education funding and strategy, and later in the Cabinet Office, where she oversaw the development of economic and domestic policy following Brexit negotiations. Last year, she was awarded a damehood for her career in public service.
Healey said: “I leave MHCLG with great pride in what we have accomplished together in the last three years, and sincere thanks to my colleagues there for their outstanding commitment and professionalism.”
