Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), has been appointed CLG’s permanent secretary. <br> <br> Sir Bob will begin his new post on November 1. The HCA Board will recruit a new chief executive from its existing group of directors, on an interim basis initially. <br> <br> HCA’s chairman Robert Napier commented: “While I am sorry to lose Bob, I would like to congratulate him on his appointment. Permanent secretary is the top civil servant post in an important arm of government and his appointment is a reflection of his outstanding skills and of the HCA’s track record of delivery.”<br> <br>