Richard Powell (civil servant)

Richard Powell (born circa 1908, died 1996) was a British civil servant who served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence from 1960 to 1963.

Powell entered the Civil Service in the 1930s. He held various positions within government departments, including the Treasury and the Cabinet Office. His career progressed steadily, earning him a reputation as an efficient and capable administrator.

As Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Powell was the senior civil servant responsible for advising ministers on policy and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Ministry. This was a period of significant change and modernization within the British armed forces. His tenure coincided with debates about nuclear deterrence and the reshaping of Britain's military role in the post-imperial world.

After leaving the Ministry of Defence in 1963, Powell served as the UK representative to the United Nations in New York until 1964. He subsequently returned to the Civil Service, holding other senior positions before his retirement.

Powell was knighted in recognition of his public service. He maintained a relatively low public profile throughout his career, focusing on his duties as a behind-the-scenes administrator and advisor. His contributions to British government are primarily documented in official records and historical accounts of the period.