PERMANENT SECRETARY Meaning and
Definition
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A Permanent Secretary refers to a high-ranking bureaucratic position within the government structure of various countries. This term primarily pertains to the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, including Singapore, Nigeria, and Canada. A Permanent Secretary is a senior civil servant who leads a government ministry or department and serves as the chief administrative officer. Their primary responsibility involves overseeing the implementation and execution of government policies, strategies, and programs within their designated department.
A Permanent Secretary acts as the principal advisor to the Minister or Secretary of State in their respective portfolio. They provide expert advice, formulate strategies, and contribute to policy development. Additionally, they must ensure efficient and effective functioning of their department, including managing financial resources, organizing staff, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. Their role often involves coordinating with other departments, agencies, and external bodies to achieve collective objectives.
The position of a Permanent Secretary requires exceptional skills in policy formulation, strategic planning, and administrative management. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication abilities are crucial for success. The appointment of a Permanent Secretary is typically based on merit, expertise, and experience. They provide continuity in government administration, as their appointment is unaffected by political changes or transitions. The designation "permanent" signifies the longevity and stability of their role, whereas "secretary" indicates their administrative responsibilities.
In summary, the term "Permanent Secretary" refers to a high-ranking civil servant who leads a government department, advises the Minister, and ensures the efficient implementation of government policies and programs.
Common Misspellings for PERMANENT SECRETARY
- oermanent secretary
- lermanent secretary
- 0ermanent secretary
- pwrmanent secretary
- psrmanent secretary
- pdrmanent secretary
- prrmanent secretary
- p4rmanent secretary
- p3rmanent secretary
- peemanent secretary
- pedmanent secretary
- pefmanent secretary
- petmanent secretary
- pe5manent secretary
- pe4manent secretary
- pernanent secretary
- perkanent secretary
- perjanent secretary
- permznent secretary
- permsnent secretary
Etymology of PERMANENT SECRETARY
The term "permanent secretary" originated in the British civil service.
The word "permanent" denotes the nature of the position, indicating that the secretary holds a fixed and ongoing role within the government administration. Unlike temporary or temporary secretaries, permanent secretaries are not appointed for a specific period but rather serve as long-term officials.
The word "secretary" itself originates from Latin "secretarius", meaning "confidential officer" or "keeper of secrets". In medieval times, secretaries were responsible for managing and safeguarding official documents and were trusted advisors to prominent individuals.
In the British civil service, the concept of a permanent secretary emerged in the 19th century when government departments began to require administrative heads who were not subject to frequent turnover with political changes. The role of the permanent secretary is to provide continuity, expertise, and leadership within the department or ministry, regardless of changes in the government's political leadership.
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