[5][6] In addition to the formal duties associated with the permanent secretary, the occupant also handles important constitutional issues during a change of government, assisting the outgoing prime minister in transitioning to a new government during upcoming elections, as well as aiding the informateur (Danish: kongelig undersøger, lit.

Through the Constitution of 1848, the council president (Danish: Konseilspræsident) was introduced, supported by a senior secretary who assisted in administrative tasks (see list of officeholders below).

Over time, the duties of the Council Presidium, the then cabinet ministry of Denmark, grew to include oversight of constitutional matters, ministerial coordination, and issues related to the monarchy, parliament, and governance.

[8] In 1914, the Council Presidium was formally restructured as a cabinet ministry, and the position of permanent secretary was established shortly beforehand on 19 December 1913 by Carl Theodor Zahle, then Prime Minister of Denmark.

Initially entitled the Permanent Secretary to the Council Presidium (Danish: Departementschef i Konseilspræsidiet), the office was created through a bill of parliament.

[11] He similarly assumed the responsibilities previously undertaken by head of office Peter Colbjørn Feddersen, who had been the formal secretary to the council president since 1883.

It is activated and convenes regularly during major crises, incidents and other security events, where it coordinates the reaction and assistance of public authorities.