David Dinsmore will stand down as Permanent Secretary, Director of Communications, by mutual agreement on 30 September 2026. Following the change of Prime Minister and administration, David and the First Secretary of State have agreed that this is an appropriate point to hand over leadership of Government Communications.
David was appointed to lead a major programme of reform across government communications. During his tenure, a wide-ranging Government Communications strategy was developed and the Government Media Unit (GMU) was established alongside a new Strategy Unit. The GMU has already reached 19 million citizens about government’s biggest priorities.
Government Communications will move from strategic design into implementation now that the foundations have been laid.
David will remain in post until 30 September working on the transition and embedding the reform programme.