Former Cabinet Office permanent secretary and one-time Football Association chief Ian Watmore has had his appointment as first civil service commissioner confirmed.
Watmore emerged as ministers’ first choice for the role over the summer and won the backing of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee after an interview session earlier this month.
The role — which dates back to the 1800s — is to head the Civil Service Commission, which regulates appointments into the service and determines complaints raised by staff under the Civil Service Code.
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The term of office lasts for five years and is non-renewable.
Announcing Watmore’s appointment and start date of October 1, Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer said the new commissioner had “the experience and skills to make an excellent commissioner”.
Cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood said Watmore had a “broad and distinguished” record that spoke for itself.
“His wide-ranging knowledge and experience will be invaluable in his new role and I look forward to working closely with him as we maintain the values of the civil service while continuing to improve its performance,” he said.
After a career in consultancy, Watmore joined the civil service and became perm sec of the then-Department for Universities, Innovation and Skills in the 2000s.
He was chief executive of the Football Association in 2009-10, before rejoining the civil service and ultimately succeeding Gus O’Donnell at the helm of the Cabinet Office.
Watmore’s son Duncan plays professional football for Premier League side Sunderland.