The management of the Royal Navy operates within the framework of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), which oversees all defense policy, planning, and resource allocation. The MOD functions as the highest headquarters for the Armed Forces, both administratively and operationally, under the leadership of the Secretary of State for Defence (SofS).
Ministry of Defence Leadership
The MOD is directed by the SofS, who is supported by several ministers responsible for specific areas of defense:
- Minister of State for the Armed Forces: Focuses on operational and personnel matters.
- Minister of State for Defence Procurement: Oversees acquisition and industry relations.
- Minister for Veterans’ Affairs: Addresses welfare and support for veterans.
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Security Strategy: Manages global defense partnerships.
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equipment and Support: Focuses on logistics and technology.
The MOD’s policy and management responsibilities are executed through the Defence Council and its subordinate service boards, including the Admiralty Board for the Royal Navy.
The Admiralty Board
The Admiralty Board is the senior management body for the Royal Navy, responsible for strategic direction, resource management, and overall governance. Chaired by the SofS, the board includes both senior naval leaders and MOD officials.
Composition of the Admiralty Board:
- Secretary of State for Defence (Chair)
- Minister of State for the Armed Forces
- Minister for Defence Procurement
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Navy and Secretary of the Admiralty Board
- Chief of the Naval Staff and First Sea Lord
- Fleet Commander
- Second Sea Lord (Chief of Naval Personnel and Training)
- Chief of Materiel (Navy)
- Controller of the Navy
- Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy)
The board convenes biannually to oversee high-level decision-making for the Royal Navy.
The Navy Board
The Navy Board (NAVB) acts as the executive arm of the Admiralty Board, implementing its policies and overseeing the operational and strategic management of the Royal Navy. The First Sea Lord, as Chair of the NAVB, exercises direct responsibility for the delivery of naval capabilities, strategic deterrence, operational planning, and the overall welfare and efficiency of naval personnel.
Membership of the Navy Board:
- First Sea Lord (Chair)
- Fleet Commander and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff
- Second Sea Lord (Chief of Naval Personnel and Training)
- Chief of Materiel (Navy)
- Commandant General Royal Marines
- Controller of the Navy
- Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy)
- 2nd Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Representative)
- Non-Executive Director (Policy)
Meetings may also include staff officers, public relations advisors, and additional experts as required. The board meets regularly to address operational and strategic priorities.
Sub Navy Board Committee (SNBC)
The Sub Navy Board Committee (SNBC) is responsible for pan-Navy decisions and operational coordination. Chaired by the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (ACNS), the committee comprises deputies from the Navy Board and other key stakeholders:
- Deputy Fleet Commander (DCINCFLEET)
- Chief of Staff/Second Sea Lord
- Chief of the Strategic Systems Executive (CSSE)
- Capability Manager (Strategic Deterrent)
- Director General Resources and Plans (DGRP)
The SNBC ensures that Navy-wide policies and decisions align with broader strategic goals, offering a focused platform for addressing specific operational and resource management issues.
