Rod Clark, who served as director general - strategy at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Department for Constitutional Affairs and played a major part in setting up the MoJ, has been named as the new principal and chief executive of the National School of Government.

Mr Clark has worked in a variety of public-facing, strategic and government posts, and has been on secondment to PA Consulting. He is a member of the director general development group, and was a review team member for the capability review and subsequent refresh of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking on this position. The National School has a vital role in developing the skills and approaches required of public service leaders and managers in transforming public services. This is an exciting time to build on the National School’s reputation for bringing unique, rigorous and practical learning perspectives to these challenges.”

Rod Clark takes over from Robin Ryde, who has performed the role on an acting basis since the departure of David Spencer in September 2007.