The former permanent secretary of the now-disbanded Department of Social Security, Sir Michael Partridge, has been awarded an honorary degree by Middlesex University.
Partridge – who is currently the University’s pro chancellor– received the award this week for his twenty years of service to the university.
During his 35 year civil service career, Partridge oversaw the splitting of DSS's responsibilities between a raft of executive agencies, including the Child Support Agency and the Benefits Agency. The department was folded into the larger Department for Work and Pensions in 2001.
Related content:
Richard Douglas rewarded for civil service career
The official view: Alistair Burt
HM Treasury team wins special Civil Service Award
How and why departments are working to adopt smarter working strategies
The former senior civil servant – who also served as deputy under-secretary at the Home Office between 1987 and 1988 – said he was “delighted” to receive the award.
"I am delighted and honoured to be receiving an honorary degree from Middlesex University with whom I have had a long association going back over twenty years.
"The University has gone through some radical changes, and attained great achievements that have transformed it into the success it now is. Long may that continue."
Middlesex University vice-chancellor Professor Michael Driscoll said Sir Michael had been "a key figure in helping bring Middlesex into one campus and make it the well-established university that it is today".
He added: "We are delighted to have had Michael on the stage rather than in the audience this year and present him with this well-deserved award."