Home Office appoints Patricia Hayes as Second Permanent Secretary

Patricia Hayes, currently Director General for public safety at the Home Office, has been appointed as its new Second Permanent Secretary.

The role will oversee the transformation of the Department’s capabilities, with a core focus on instilling operational delivery excellence.

Northern Ireland-born Hayes has impressed since joining the Home Office in February 2020, when she became Director General for Crime, Policing and Fire Group. Here Tricia oversaw work to cut crime and reform police, fire and rescue services to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

"Tricia has already made an incredible impact since joining the Home Office in 2020, leading hugely important work to keep the public safe, including vital work with the police on enforcement measures during lockdown," said Home Secretary Priti Patel. "I look forward to her taking up her new role and using her wealth of experience to transform operational delivery across the whole Department." (our emphasis)

In addition to her role on Public Safety, Hayes is the senior responsible officer for the Home Office’s response to Coronavirus, head of the Policy Profession in the Home Office, and Chair of the Home Office’s Performance and Risk Committee.