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, Shabana Mahmood, 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 Chris Wormald, 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 Antonia Romeo 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. Phil Copple and Michelle Jarman-Howe will continue as Interim Chief Executive and Interim Director General of Operations at HMPPS, respectively.