Articles tagged with: Simon McDonald
The impartiality of the civil service has been tested to its limit in recent years – is the damage irreparable?
09 Jul HR
The impartiality of the civil service has been tested to its limit in recent years – is the damage irreparable?
Naming and blaming has undeniably harmed the relationship between officials and ministers in recent years. What will it take to restore trust, after so much tension? 
'A lot of wasted energy': Ex-top civil servants detail turmoil at heart of Johnson's No.10
19 Sep 2023 Coronavirus
'A lot of wasted energy': Ex-top civil servants detail turmoil at heart of Johnson's No.10
Officials “sought Buckingham Palace’s support” to bring No.10 into line, documentary claims
Crumbling concrete intervention proves why ex-senior civil servants shouldn't always stay quiet
08 Sep 2023 Education
Crumbling concrete intervention proves why ex-senior civil servants shouldn't always stay quiet
It takes a great deal for a former permanent secretary to intervene. I believe Jonathan Slater’s intervention on RAAC puts him on the right side of history
MP who drunkenly groped civil servant announces resignation
07 Sep 2023 HR
MP who drunkenly groped civil servant announces resignation
Chris Pincher’s decision follows standards commissioner’s report describing his behaviour as “completely inappropriate” and an “abuse of power”
Book review: Simon McDonald's memoir is three books in one
23 May 2023 Foreign Affairs
Book review: Simon McDonald's memoir is three books in one
There is insight aplenty, but the memoir of this ex-diplomat may leave some readers from different backgrounds feeling a touch alienated
Defend civil servants from 'unfair' attacks over Raab report, ex-Foreign Office chief tells PM
26 Apr 2023 HR
Defend civil servants from 'unfair' attacks over Raab report, ex-Foreign Office chief tells PM
Raab's characterisation of officials who complained about his "aggressive" behaviour" is "flat wrong", Simon McDonald says
Johnson was ‘worst PM I ever worked with’, ex-Foreign Office chief says
10 Nov 2022 HR
Johnson was ‘worst PM I ever worked with’, ex-Foreign Office chief says
Simon McDonald criticises “charismatic and chaotic” approach, but acknowledges ousted premier had time for his staff
Simon McDonald: Why I had to call out Boris Johnson’s untruths about Christopher Pincher
12 Jul 2022 Politics & Constitution
Simon McDonald: Why I had to call out Boris Johnson’s untruths about Christopher Pincher
Former Foreign and Commonwealth Office permanent under-secretary explains the background to his decision to set the record straight, prompting events that led to the PM’s resignation
'Our country is stronger for your service': Sedwill confirms McDonald to retire as FCO perm sec
19 Jun 2020 Foreign Affairs
'Our country is stronger for your service': Sedwill confirms McDonald to retire as FCO perm sec

Departure comes as PM seeks new leadership for merged  Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office