The Permanent Secretary is the Administrative Head of the Ministry and Controlling officer. The Office of the Permanent Secretary is responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of the Ministry. It performs the policy setting role while the functional Heads of Department are responsible for executing the technical aspects of the Ministry's functions.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary ensures that there are effective linkages among and within the five Departments under the Ministry by strengthening internal systems to improve coordination and communication for the effective performance of the Ministry. This is done by putting in place effective management and control mechanisms such as, quarterly and monthly meetings at which long and short term issues affecting the performance of the Ministry are discussed and reports presented on activities carried out and what is planned for the future.

Lillian E. R. Kapulu (Mrs) is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources is the Chief Executive of the Ministry. The office, is charged with the responsibility of day-to-day administration and supervisory functions of the Ministry. The Permanent Secretary is assisted by five (5) Departmental functional Heads each reponsible for a executing the technical aspects of the Ministry's functions.