Jones is currently a non-executive director at DHSC and chief operating officer for renewable energy company Xlinks.

She began her career as a nurse in the NHS, and was a hospital chief executive before moving to NHS England to lead the New Models of Care programme. She has also led one of the largest primary care providers in England.

Since her time in the NHS, Jones served as an expert advisor to the PM on NHS Transformation and Social Care in 2021, before taking up post as the interim permanent secretary and chief operating officer for 10 Downing Street.

Jones will build a team to deliver Plan for Change, which will include appointing a Chief Operating Officer.

She will replace Chris Wormald, who left DHSC in December last year, to take up the role of Cabinet Secretary.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: ‘Samantha brings a wealth of experience from the frontline of healthcare as a general and paediatric nurse - she knows what it is like to be working on wards and will translate that expertise to her work across the department.

‘Equally, her work in senior management roles across both Whitehall and the health and social care sector will prove invaluable as we reintegrate NHS England back into the department to cut red tape, reduce duplication and make it fit for the future as part of our Plan for Change.'

Jones said: ‘It is an absolute privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary at DHSC, working with colleagues across health and social care  to support the government's Plan for Change and deliver a rebuilt NHS, fit for the future.

‘Having worked alongside the brilliant team at DHSC over the past few years, serving on their board, I look forward to leading a department of committed public servants to improve the health of our nation.'