Where in Wales are you based and how long have you been heads of place for the country?
We are both based at Tŷ William Morgan in Cardiff and have been joint heads of place since 2024. Being based in Wales matters: it means we can support civil servants here in a way that is rooted in place and alive to the realities of working in a devolved nation.
Ross Maude
Prof Tom Crick
What does the head of place role involve?
It is a uniquely rewarding role focused on convening, connecting and championing our civil service community. We bring together departments, professions and local partners to help make Wales an outstanding place to build a career, while ensuring that the UK government benefits from the talent, insight and distinct policy context that Wales offers.
To do the role well, you need…
You need to be collaborative, outward-facing and genuinely interested in “place”. In Wales especially, you need to understand the importance of relationships across governments, public services, universities and communities, and to see devolution not as a complication but as a strength.
What is your proudest achievement so far in the role?
A highlight has been strengthening the civil service community in Wales by supporting professional networks, creating cross-government learning opportunities and expanding free Welsh language learning for civil servants. This supports the Welsh Government’s goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050, giving the work a powerful national context.
Who do you work closely with in the role within and outside government?
A strong government presence relies on strong local relationships. We collaborate closely with the Welsh Government, the heads of place network, universities, local authorities, uniformed services, the third sector and other civic partners.
How does it complement your ‘day job’?
As the Cabinet Office’s chief digital information officer (Ross) and DCMS’s chief scientific adviser (Tom), we are both focused on how digital, scientific and analytical leadership can support better decision-making and more effective public services. The head of place role grounds that work in the lived experience of our civil service communities and helps ensure that our work is robust, secure and impactful across the UK.
What makes Wales the place to be?
Wales offers serious career opportunities, including senior roles, without asking people to leave behind community or work-life balance. There is also a strong sense of connection across Wales: professional networks are close, relationships matter and collaboration across organisations is often easier to build and sustain.
Where do you see the biggest untapped potential in the place you represent?
The biggest opportunity is in the synergy between government, research and industry. This is especially powerful in Wales because institutions are well placed to work together and devolution creates space for more joined-up thinking and innovation.