A permanent secretary is a high-ranking civil servant who is responsible for overseeing the activities of a government ministry in some countries. Synonyms for a permanent secretary include Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Senior Civil Servant, Assistant Secretary, Ministerial Secretary, or Secretary of State. These officials are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of their respective ministries and acting as a liaison between the political leadership and the civil servants who work there. While their job titles may vary, their mandate remains the same: to provide administrative and technical support, manage the flow of information, and ensure that their ministries are working efficiently and effectively.