Heads of profession provide leadership of professional groups across the Public Service. This includes convening professional networks, building capability through professional development, and providing best-practice guidance for members of the profession. Heads of profession are designated by the Public Service Commissioner. Some heads of profession are secretaries of departments, while others are held by second tier leaders with closer affiliations to the profession.
Current heads of profession include:
Policy
The Head of the Policy Profession is responsible for improving the policy system - that is its capabilities, systems, processes, and standards – and thereby helping improve the outcomes that they contribute to. These include higher quality policy advice, better government decisions, and better outcomes for people in New Zealand. Responsibility for the content of advice on specific policy issues remains with relevant government departments and their chief executives.
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Ben King, Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Tari o te Pirīmia me te Komiti Matua | Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Chief Executive
Te Tari o te Pirīmia me te Komiti Matua | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Ben is the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). Prior to this position Ben held a number of senior roles within Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade including New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Deputy Secretary, America and Aisa Group and most recently Deputy Chief Executive, Policy.
Commenced
April 2024Sectors
Central agenciesLeadership groups
Te Ohu Tumu Whakarae i te Ratonga Tūmatanui | Public Service Leadership TeamTe Pae Aramahi Kaupapa Here | Policy Development Board Chair
Website
dpmc.govt.nz
Legal (statutory role)
The Solicitor-General is the government's chief legal adviser and advocate in the courts. They also lead the Government Legal Network in collaboration with departmental Chief Legal Advisors. This network builds the capability of the public service legal profession and leverages the collective legal resources and expertise of the Crown to support the government in the lawful delivery of services to New Zealanders.
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Una Jagose KC, Te Rōiā Matāmua o te Karauna | Solicitor-General
Te Tari Ture o te Karauna | Crown Law Office
Una is Solicitor-General at Te Tari Ture o te Karauna Crown Law Office. She has previously held positions as Acting Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau and as a legal advisor at the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Commenced
February 2016Sectors
Central agenciesLeadership groups
Te Ohu Tumu Whakarae i te Ratonga Tūmatanui Public Service Leadership TeamWebsite
crownlaw.govt.nz
Finance
The Head of the Government Finance Profession aims to lift strategic financial management practices and capability across the system. This means integrating strategy, planning and performance to ensure value is at the heart of everything we do. It enables smart decisions that maximise value for money and outcomes for New Zealanders.
Internal Audit and Risk Assurance
Responsible for raising the profile, importance and expectations of internal audit and risk assurance functions with Secretaries, Chief Executives, Crown Agency Boards and their Audit Committees.
James Jong – Chief Internal Auditor
Ministry of Education
Communications
Gillon Carruthers, Deputy Director – General Public Affairs
Ministry for Primary Industries