A plaque has been unveiled in memory of Bob Kerslake, the former head of the civil service.
The plaque was presented in a ceremony at Sheffield’s Winter Garden. Lord Kerslake was chief executive of Sheffield City Council from 1998-2007, and is fondly remembered for his work leading the regeneration of the city centre, including the Winter Garden.
Kerslake died in July 2023 after a short battle with cancer. The plaque reads: “Bob worked tirelessly to develop Sheffield. He loved the people and the place and was taken to its heart.”
Members of Kerslake’s family, including his wife Anne, his children and grandchildren, and some of his former colleagues, were present at the ceremony, with some giving speeches.
The plaque being unveiled by Kerslake's family and former colleagues. Photo: Sheffield City Council
Sheffield newspaper The Star reported that James Henderson, the council's director of policy and democratic engagement, who worked closely with Kerslake, said: “Bob always championed our city and strongly believed in the power of public service and the impact it has on people’s lives. He cared deeply about the people of Sheffield and strived to combat the inequalities residents faced across the city.
"His impact and influence on the city can still be seen today and it is a testament to Bob’s dedication to not only his role but the whole of Sheffield.”
After leaving Sheffield City Council, Kerslake joined the government as chief executive of the then-Homes and Communities Agency (now Homes England) in 2008, before becoming permanent secretary of the Department for Communities and Local Government in 2010. In addition to this perm sec role, he was named head of the civil service in 2012, a role he held until 2014.
Former cabinet secretary Gus O'Donnell, Kerslake's predecessor as head of the civil service, remembered him as "one of the top performing permanent secretaries of his generation" in a tribute for CSW following his death last year.
Lord O'Donnell said Kerslake's appointment "showed the high regard in which he was held by ministers and civil servants" and that he "made a significant impact by using his experience in local government to help establish functional specialisms which improved operational capability in the civil service".
Kerslake later joined the House of Lords in 2015 as a crossbencher. In the last few years before his death, he worked with the Labour Party to help it prepare for the next general election.