The Ministry of Defence’s second permanent secretary, Paul Lincoln, has left the role just two years after his appointment.
His departure comes amid a series of reforms to governance at the MoD that came into force yesterday.
In a LinkedIn post, published on 28 March, Lincoln said: “Today marks my last formal day in public service – a moment for reflection, gratitude, and deep appreciation.”
Following Lincoln's exit on Friday, the defence secretary, John Healey, yesterday confirmed a series of reforms to the structures at the department. The department now has “a streamlined set of four DG roles reporting to the permanent secretary, focused on strategy and transformation, people, policy and finance", Healey said.
A new leadership "quad" – the perm sec, chief of the defence staff, national armaments director, and chief of defence nuclear – will "drive a defence which is more concentrated on strengthening warfighting readiness and deterrence", he added.
Lincoln, who was appointed second perm sec in April 2023, said his career in the civil service has been “an incredible journey – from leading in Defence, to serving at the helm of UK Border Force, working across the broader counter-terrorism and national security system, and supporting the tackling of crime – both at home and overseas”.
He said he feels “truly privileged to have worked alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the country” in a civil service career that spanned 19 years.
Lincoln said the men and women across Defence, the Border Force, and the wider national security community “serve with unwavering commitment – keeping us secure at home and strong abroad, fighting terrorism, tackling serious and organised crime, and securing our borders in an increasingly complex and uncertain world”.
He said their “expertise, resilience, and quiet determination are the foundation of our nation’s safety” and their work is “often unseen, but its impact is immeasurable”.
“To all those who continue this vital mission, you have my utmost respect and admiration,” Lincoln said. “Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice in keeping our country and its citizens safe.”
Lincoln added his thanks to his wife, Jo Lincoln, for her “unwavering support throughout” his career. “None of it would have been possible without her by my side,” he said.
Although Lincoln has left the role, he said he is “honoured to be continuing to oversee the MoD’s preparations for the VE80 commerations and celebrations – an incredibly important moment to recognise the sacrifice and service of those who secured our freedom”.
He added: “Now, onto pastures new – wherever they may be. I have no idea what comes next, but I’m looking forward to the adventure!”
Lincoln’s career has included a broad range of roles in the MoD, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office. Before becoming the MoD’s second perm sec, he was director general of the Border Force. He also served as DG of the Home Office’s Crime, Policing and Fire Group.
In his ministerial statement, Healey said the department's new leadership "quad" will "shift an organisation which too often has been obsessed with process to one focused on outcomes – in which information flows quickly, individual accountabilities are clear, and results are demanded".
The permanent secretary will "lead a more agile department of state", he added.
"In line with wider civil service reform, this area will be lean and highly skilled, unleashing the exceptional capabilities within Defence by making the systems and processes around us more efficient and empowering," he said.
"This area will be responsible for providing policy muscle and clear strategic direction to ensure that the Defence is focused on outcomes and delivery."