Information on the recruitment process for the role of Chief Entrepreneur: FOI release

Information requested

1. How did the Scottish Government decide on who to hire for their chief entrepreneur role?

2. Was there an interview process/job advert and if so, could you send it to me?

3. What is budgeted for the role over the next five years, with a breakdown of what the money will go towards/already spent it on?

4. Is there a salary review for the role over the next few years?

Response

I will answer each of your questions in turn:

1. How did the Scottish Government decide on who to hire for their chief entrepreneur role?
Mr Logan was selected in line with the Scottish Ministerial Code, which enables Ministers to make appointments providing they are satisfied that the preferred candidate is being appointed on the basis of merit. In this instance, Mr Logan was one of a list of candidates considered on the basis of his exceptional experience in growing companies to scale, with the credibility and influence necessary to command the respect of industry, investors and public sector leaders. This list was assembled, and the decision made, following discussions with key figures in industry, academia, the entrepreneurial ecosystem and public sector leaders.

2. Was there an interview process/job advert and if so, could you send it to me?
The Ministerial Code requires that the appointment is made on the basis of merit. On this occasion, the role was not advertised and Ministers instead considered a list of acclaimed professionals with the necessary skills and experience.

3. What is budgeted for the role over the next five years, with a breakdown of what the money will go towards/already spent it on?
The role was offered a period of two years. The role will remunerated at a rate of £2,000 per day for a maximum of 100 days per year. The role encompasses the work of the Chief Entrepreneur alongside advisory work on the Scottish Tech Ecosystem Review, the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and Mr Logan’s role in supporting the development of new policy in relation to widening access to entrepreneurship. A more detailed explanation of what the role involves is already in the public domain.

4. Is there a salary review for the role over the next few years?
The appointment has been made for an initial period of two years. Part of the appointee’s remit is to advise Ministers on the long-term future of the post. The salary, remit and any supporting will be fully considered upon the expiry of this two year term.

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