Alumna Patsy Wilkinson has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Secretary for the Home Office. Ms Wilkinson studied Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) at Murray Edwards/New Hall from 1980 to 1983, specialising in German and Classics.
Ms Wilkinson, who will begin work in late August, will have responsibility for immigration policy and oversight of the borders, immigration and citizenship communities. She has held a number of senior posts in the fields of defence and national security, including Director of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) where she led the delivery of protective security advice for the 2012 Olympics. She was awarded an Companion Order of the Bath (CB) for Services to Defense in the 2015 Birthday Honours.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "I am delighted that Patsy will become our new Second Permanent Secretary. This is a vitally important role, and has become even more so following the EU referendum. Patsy’s strong background in defence and national security and her proven leadership skills make her ideally suited to take on the challenge."
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Wilkinson said: "I’m delighted to be joining the Home Office, and to be working on some of the government’s top priorities. I am very much looking forward to taking up my new role, working with colleagues in the border and immigration services, across government and our many partner organisations."