Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New DHSC Permanent Secretary Appointed, published on 22 April 2025, whether the new Permanent Secretary was appointed by (a) open and fair competition, (b) temporary appointment and (c) exception.

Samantha Jones has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary for the Department of Health and Social Care following an open and fair competition, overseen by the First Civil Service Commissioner. Samantha Jones will be taking up the role on a fixed term appointment, and this appointment is not an exception.