THE Scottish Government has appointed a new top civil servant.
Joe Griffin has been appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and will take up the post in April 2025.
Griffin has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021 and led across a range of policy and delivery priorities during his 29 years in the civil service, including delivery of the expansion of early learning and childcare to 1140 hours per week.
Griffin will succeed John-Paul Marks who will take up the role of First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HMRC.
Marks took over from Leslie Evans in 2022 after his predecessor faced criticism of her handling of the Alex Salmond inquiry. He led the civil service under three different first ministers.
As chief official policy adviser, the Permanent Secretary works closely with the First Minister on major strategic and policy issues and is Secretary to the Scottish Cabinet.
First Minister John Swinney said: “My thanks to JP Marks (below) for his devoted public service and leadership of the Civil Service.
"My Cabinet and I are grateful for the invaluable advice he has provided during his time at the Scottish Government. I join with so many across the Scottish public sector and beyond in wishing JP every success in his new role at HMRC.
"I know from his record of delivery, not least on the massive expansion of early learning and childcare that he led, that Joe will deliver an unyielding focus on delivering for the people of Scotland.”
UK Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald said Griffin will bring "extensive experience" to the role.
Griffin said he will be focused on delivering on the Government's priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency and ensuring sustainable public services.
He said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary and lead the civil service in the Scottish Government. I am grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for this opportunity.
“My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities; eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services.
"I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.”
