New Scottish permanent secretary announced

Joe Griffin has been appointed as the new permanent secretary to the Scottish Government.

He will succeed John-Paul Marks in the highest civil servant position in Scotland from April.

Marks previously announced his departure to take on the role of permanent secretary at the HMRC.

Griffin has been a director general within the Scottish Government since 2021, most recently overseeing strategy and external affairs.

He has been part of the civil service for 29 years.

First Minister John Swinney said: “My thanks to JP Marks 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 welcome Joe Griffin’s appointment as permanent secretary of the Scottish Government. He brings a wealth of experience to this role from his distinguished career in the civil service. 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.” 

This appointment has been made formally by the UK’s highest ranking civil servant, Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald, on the agreement of the first minister and the recommendation of the First Civil Service Commissioner.

As chief official policy adviser, the permanent secretary works closely with the first minister across the full range of responsibilities, including major strategic and policy issues, and is secretary to the Scottish cabinet.  

Griffin 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.”