John Somers

John Somers has been Director of Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights since May 2024. 

After completing a MA in International Business and Languages at Heriot Watt University and the Strasbourg Graduate School of Management, John worked as a language teacher in Japan from 2001-2003.

Since joining the Civil Service in 2004, John had several posts as part of the fast-stream graduate programme, before becoming Head of Treatment, Prevention and Strategy in the Scottish Government Drugs Policy Unit.

In 2012, he moved to Beijing to take up a diplomatic posting as the First Secretary of Scottish Affairs to the People’s Republic of China. 

In 2016, he was appointed as Principal Private Secretary to the First Minister of Scotland until his move to the Police Division Deputy Director post in August 2021. 

As of May 2024 John took up the role of Director of Equalities, Inclusion and Human Rights.