Michael Parsons read Natural Sciences and Computer Science at Christ’s (m. 1983), and subsequently qualified as an accountant (CIPFA) with Cambridgeshire County Council. He has held a number of executive and non-executive board positions in the wider public and charitable sector.
Before returning to Christ’s, Michael was Director General, Government Property at the Cabinet Office (2017-2021) and head of the Government Property Function, leading a network of over 5,000 colleagues with responsibility for a range of property-related activities across a range of government departments, delivery organisations and agencies. He was responsible for the Government Estate Strategy, and launched the Government Property Agency.
Michael previously held the role of Director General, Capabilities and Resources (Chief Operating Officer) at the Home Office. Joining the Home Office in February 2013, he led the consolidation of corporate functions within the department following the ending of the agency status of UKBA and HMPO. During his time at the HO (2013-2017), Michael led the HO Spending Review 2015, securing significant change investment to support HO Transformation, oversaw the establishment of the HO Digital function alongside a strengthened Technology function, increased the professionalism of Commercial activity, and initiated a reconfiguration of HO Science activity with MOD.
Prior to 2013, Michael had extensive experience in local government, including in Hertfordshire County Council as Director of Resources and Performance where he led the council’s ambitious transformation programme, and as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources at Cambridgeshire County Council where he worked closely with the City Council and the University.
Michael has extensive experience in finance, human resources, property management, and pension fund investments.