Peter Schofield
Permanent Secretary (former), Department for Work and Pensions · United Kingdom
Peter Schofield is the CEO of Department for Work and Pensions. Schofield is based in the United Kingdom. Schofield was born in 1969 and educated at Gonville and Caius College.
Senior British civil servant who served as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions from January 2018 to July 2026. Previously held senior positions including Director General for Finance at DWP and Director General for Housing and Planning at the Department for Communities and Local Government. Joined the Civil Service in 1991 and was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 2024.
Recent developments
AI summary of recent coverageRecent coverage of Peter Schofield's tenure at the Department for Work and Pensions has focused on departmental challenges including allegations of a "culture of complacency" surrounding the carer's allowance scandal, concerns about processing delays for disability support applications, and scrutiny from MPs regarding complaints handling. Coverage also documented Schofield's announcement of stepping down from the permanent secretary role in early 2026, following reports of bonus payments to civil servants and various operational issues within the department.
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Key Facts
Source: Wikidata ↗- Born
- April 27, 1969
- Citizenship
- United Kingdom
- Education
- Gonville and Caius College
- Awards
- Companion of the Order of the Bath, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath
Our coverage
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Peter Schofield: FAQ
- Who is Peter Schofield?
- Peter Schofield is the Permanent Secretary (former) of Department for Work and Pensions, based in United Kingdom.
- What company does Peter Schofield lead?
- Peter Schofield is CEO of Department for Work and Pensions.
- Where was Peter Schofield educated?
- Peter Schofield studied at Gonville and Caius College.