Who is responsible for the appointment of permanent secretaries in government departments?

The appointment of permanent secretaries in government departments falls under the authority of the Prime Minister. Permanent secretaries serve as the top civil servants in their respective departments and are crucial for ensuring the continuity and stability of the government’s administration. The Prime Minister, as the head of the government, has the responsibility for overseeing the general functioning of the cabinet and its ministers, which includes making key personnel decisions such as these appointments.

This process not only reflects the Prime Minister's influence over the civil service but also ensures that the departments align with the government's policies and priorities. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Home Secretary play significant roles within their respective domains but do not have the authority to appoint permanent secretaries across all departments. The Speaker of the House of Commons is primarily responsible for maintaining order in the House and facilitating its proceedings, rather than for administrative appointments.