Helen Edwards gets top localism role
Its useful to keep in touch with the movement of influential civil servants. I hope Helen (new Director of Localism at CLG) believes in rural proofing! This article explains the new role she has which will be very important bearing in mind that CLG spends far more in rural communities than Defra. It tells us:
Edwards was previously director general for criminal justice at the Ministry of Justice, where she headed up the Justice Policy Group. She has also taken on the role of deputy permanent secretary at DCLG.
She has replaced David Prout, who left to head the High Speed 2 rail project. Simon Ridley had undertaken the role in an interim capacity since Prout’s departure in January.
Edwards joined the civil service in 2002, and has previously been chief executive of the National Offender Management Service and director general of the Home Office’s communities group. Before this, she was chief executive at national crime reduction charity Nacro. She has also worked for East Sussex county council and Save the Children.
Head of the civil service Sir Bob Kerslake said Edwards’ experience in the local government, voluntary and community sectors meant that she brought a “wealth of experience” to the role.
Edwards said that she looked forward to renewing her relationships across these various sectors.