Darren Tierney Takes Helm at Office for National Statistics Amid Major Reforms
Darren Tierney has officially been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), marking a major leadership shift during a pivotal period for the UK’s national statistics body.
The appointment, approved by the Prime Minister and confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary, comes as the ONS embarks on transformative changes in its organisational culture and operational structure.
Tierney, currently serving as Director General of the Propriety and Constitution Group within the Cabinet Office, is expected to begin his new role next week.
His leadership arrives just as the agency sharpens its focus on improving the accuracy and trustworthiness of economic data under the Plan for ONS Economic Statistics.
This move follows a key recommendation made in a recent review by Sir Robert Devereux, the formal separation of the roles of National Statistician and Permanent Secretary. As a result, Tierney’s appointment will be for a fixed term of two years.
Cat Little, Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, praised Tierney’s appointment:
“I congratulate Darren on his appointment as Permanent Secretary of the Office for National Statistics.
I know that Darren will bring his inspiring leadership, experience, and professionalism to the role at this important moment for the organisation as it takes forward reforms and continues to improve its provision of top-quality statistics and build a strong organisational culture.”
She also acknowledged the efforts of Emma Rourke, who has been holding dual responsibilities since May 2025.
“I want to thank Emma Rourke for covering the combined Permanent Secretary role since 9 May 2025, and for the progress her and her team have made in the initial response to the Devereux report.
Emma will continue to be Acting National Statistician while a full external recruitment campaign is conducted.”
Speaking about his new role, Tierney expressed optimism and commitment to the task ahead: “I am delighted to be appointed to the Permanent Secretary role leading the Office for National Statistics.
It’s an incredibly important time for the Department and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues in the ONS and its many critical partners.”
The decision has been warmly welcomed by Robert Chote, Chair of the UK Statistics Authority Board: “I am very pleased that Darren Tierney will be joining the Office for National Statistics as its new Permanent Secretary.
Darren is a person of integrity and strong values with over 20 years of policy, strategic and corporate experience across the civil service, including the management of transformation programmes.
Working with Emma Rourke, Acting National Statistician, and our wonderful colleagues at the ONS, I am confident that he will foster a healthy positive culture in the organisation and ensure that it is led and managed in a way that allows it to deliver to its full potential.”
The position was filled through an internal recruitment process. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to launch an external campaign to appoint the next National Statistician.
This appointment underlines the government’s intent to reshape leadership within the ONS while ensuring continued excellence in the delivery of national data.
