Diversity at our core.

A commitment to diversity and inclusion is at our very core. We are an organisation that works very hard to foster a true sense of belonging. We have 12 staff-led, passionate and engaged diversity networks and 11 Director-level Diversity Champions who each lead on a particular aspect or characteristic, overseen by the overall Senior Diversity Champion, who sits at Director General-level.

More broadly, the health and wellbeing of everyone who works here is a huge priority for us. We take a positive, preventative approach to wellbeing, with a diverse pool of trained Mental Health First Aiders across the organisation. In addition, all employees have access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential and expert support service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Susanna McGibbon

Susanna took up the role of Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department on Monday 8 March 2021.

Her previous roles include:

  • Director General, Directorate B, Government Legal Department, 2018 to 2021
  • Director of Litigation, Government Legal Department, 2012 to 2018
  • Legal Director, Department of Communities and Local Government, 2009 to 2012
  • Legal Director, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, 2006 to 2009

Susanna McGibbon – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Mel Nehbrajani

Mel is Director General for the Litigation with Justice and Security directorate.

Her previous Civil Service roles include:

  • Director General, Employment with Economic Recovery and UK Governance Directorate, GLD, October 2021 to May 2023
  • Director of Litigation November 2020 to October 2021
  • Legal Director, Department of Health and Social Care, June 2016 to November 2020
  • Deputy Legal Director, Department for Transport, February 2014 to June 2016
  • Deputy Director, Department for Education, February 2008 to February 2014

Mel joined the Civil Service and the Government Legal Service in 1998 and has advised a variety of different departments including the Cabinet Office and Number 10, the Department for Education, and the Ministry of Justice.

Mel Nebhrajani CB – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Sarah Goom

Sarah is the Director General for GLD’s Commercial with Trade and International Directorate. Sarah joined the Civil Service in 1999 and has advised key central departments.

Her previous Civil Service roles include:

  • Legal Director, Home Office Legal Advisers, May 2022 to September 2023
  • Legal Director Personal Tax, Benefits, Criminal and Corporate Services, October 2019 to May 2022
  • Director of Litigation, HMRC, July 2017 to October 2019

Sarah has advised on a number of issues including the Iraq Inquiry, HMRC’s response to COVID-19 and criminal justice policy.

Sarah Goom – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Caroline Croft

Caroline is Director General for the Employment with Economic Recovery and UK Governance directorate.

Her previous Civil Service roles include:
• Legal Director, Department of Health and Social Care, November 2020 to May 2023

  • Legal Director, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Health and safety Executive and Office of Nuclear Regulation, June 2017 to November 2020

Caroline joined the Civil Service in 1992 and has held Senior Civil Service posts advising a variety of government departments including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Cabinet Office.

Caroline Croft – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Richard Cornish

Government Legal Department in March 2024.

His previous Civil Service roles include:

  • Chief Executive of Defence Business Services, Ministry of Defence
  • Chief Operating Officer, Natural England
  • Director of Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt at Department for Work and Pensions

Richard Cornish – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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