As CIO Joe will have overall responsibility for the 3 billion IT programme which underpins the wholesale modernisation of services on which the Department for Work and Pensions is embarked.

Joe Harley will report directly to Richard Mottram, Permanent Secretary who commented:

"In joining the Department Joe takes on an exciting and challenging change agenda. We are delivering a major modernisation programme and information technology is crucial to its success. His role will be at the forefront of this world class change programme that will help us deliver a better service to our customers. Joe will bring a wealth of experience in the delivery of major IT and business change programmes."

Joe Harley said:

"I am very excited to be joining the Department which has such a progressive change programme. I am looking forward to getting started and to working with the team to deliver success."

The appointment follows an open competition. As for other competitions for posts at this level, the appointment has been approved by the Prime Minister, with the agreement of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Related links:

Department for Work and Pensions [1]

Background information on this article:

Biographical Details:

Joe Harley, 50, was educated at the University of Paisley. Prior to joining ICI Paints, he was Global IT Vice President for British Petroleum PLC. He previously worked in a range of BP roles which included BP Exploration and Downstream Europe, BP Alaska Inc and BP Exploration, Glasgow and as Trading and Operations Manager for BRITOIL. He joined ICI Paints in 2000 as CIO where he is responsible for all aspects of the global IT function across some 50 countries. Joe is married.