Cat Little has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), the government announced on 8 September 2026.
Appointment announcement
The official GOV.UK news release states that the Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, made the appointment. The announcement also thanked Amanda Brooks for her interim leadership of the department.
Background of Cat Little
Cat Little is currently the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office and the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer. The release notes that she has previously served as Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury and has held senior roles in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said the work of BIST is vital to driving growth across the country and that Cat’s experience positions her to deliver on that agenda.
Recruitment process and approvals
The appointment follows an internal recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner. The process was approved by both the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister, confirming the seniority of the decision.
Moving from the Cabinet Office, Cat Little will bring experience from Treasury, justice and defence to BIST. The internal nature of the recruitment suggests continuity in policy direction, as the department does not need to integrate an external leader.
Stakeholders in business, innovation and trade can expect a seamless transition, given that the interim leader, Amanda Brooks, has been thanked for maintaining departmental operations during the hand‑over period.
What remains unknown
The announcement does not disclose any changes to BIST’s strategic priorities, budget allocations or staffing levels. It also does not specify when Cat Little will formally assume her new duties, other than the announcement date.
Further details are likely to emerge in subsequent departmental briefings or in the next Treasury report on civil service appointments.
Timeline
8 September 2026 – GOV.UK publishes the news release confirming Cat Little’s appointment and outlining the recruitment process.
Future updates – The department is expected to issue a formal welcome and outline any immediate policy initiatives under the new leadership.