After more than seven years of major accomplishments as CIO for the DWP and one year as the Government CIO, Joe Harley, CBE, has decided to retire from the Civil Service in the Spring of 2012.

Joe has transformed IT in the Department which has made a huge difference to the efficiency and effectiveness of IT and of the DWP as a whole.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: "I would like to thank Joe for his significant and exceptional contribution to DWP and the Government - he has been instrumental in building reform and modernising our approach to technology. Joe leaves us with our highest regards having secured this Government well-placed to deliver major reform in the future."