Permanent Secretary

Responsibilities

As the most senior civil servant in Scotland and head of the Civil Service supporting the Scottish Government, the Permanent Secretary is the principal policy adviser to the First Minister and Secretary to the Scottish Cabinet. 

The Permanent Secretary leads the Scottish Government Civil Service to deliver the full range of devolved powers and duties set out in the Scotland Acts. As the principal accountable officer for the Scottish Government, the Permanent Secretary is personally responsible to the Scottish Parliament for the exercise of their responsibilities. This includes the management of the Scottish Government’s discretionary budget of circa £59 billion and the economic, efficient and effective use of all related resources. 

Leading more than 9,000 civil servants who work for the Scottish Government in Scotland, London and around the world, the Permanent Secretary supports the development, implementation and communication of government policies. This work is undertaken in accordance with the Civil Service Code, upholding its four core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. 

Joe is committed to the delivery of the National Performance Framework – Scotland’s outcome-based approach to the implementation of policies aimed at improving the wellbeing and life chances of its citizens, supported by a successful, inclusive economy and a sustainable and healthy environment. 

Joe works with colleagues across the UK supporting, engaging and investing in the talent and leadership of the UK Civil Service and wider public services.

Biography

Joe has been working for the Scottish Government since 2004. His roles include being Director-General for Strategy and External Affairs and Director-General Education and Justice.

His experience includes:

• Director, Safer Communities
• Director, Early Learning and Childcare
• Acting Director for Fair Work
• Deputy Director, Creating Positive Futures (Children and Families)
• Head of Reducing Reoffending
• Principal Private Secretary to the First Minister

Earlier in his career, Joe was a diplomat at the UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office which included postings to New York and Paris.

Joe is married with three children and lives in Edinburgh.  Joe believes deeply in the potential of government in Scotland to deliver good outcomes and improve people’s lives.