Richard Cornish joined the Government Legal Department as Director General and Chief Operating Officer in early March. In this newly-created role, he will provide leadership across the department's legal operations and corporate functions including Strategy, Finance, Human Resources, Digital Data and Technology, and Knowledge and Innovation. He will also be part of GLD's Executive Team and Board.
Richard joins GLD from his role as Chief Executive of Defence Business Services within the Ministry of Defence. He previously held senior transformational and operational leadership roles for Defra (as Chief Operating Officer for Natural England) and at the Department for Work and Pensions.
Richard said of his appointment:
"I am delighted to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer for GLD. I look forward to working with the senior team on the challenges and opportunities facing the department, and Civil Service more broadly, that are involved in providing high quality legal services across government. GLD's recently released Strategy 2024 - 2027 is an ambitious plan to modernise, improve, and build on the commendable work of the last few years. I am excited to work alongside all colleagues to deliver on this ambition."
