Top Scottish Government civil servant leaves to head Carnegie UK Trust

One of the Scottish Government’s top civil servants has quit to lead major charity the Carnegie UK Trust.

Sarah Davidson, director-general for organisational development and operations, is to become chief executive of the Carnegie UK Trust, the philanthropic charity set up in 1913 by Scots-American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.

Among Davidson’s roles at the Scottish Government was setting up the new social security agency, as well as delivering day-to-day corporate functions of government, managing 2,000 staff.

She has also been an integral part of setting up Holyrood’s public service awards.

Davidson said she “will miss colleagues and friends from 25 years at Scottish Government, but I’m looking forward to working with a great new team of staff and trustees.”

Davidson replaces Martyn Evans, who stepped down in March after 10 years at the helm at the Trust.

Chair of The Carnegie UK Trust, Sir John Elvidge, said: “Sarah is one of the outstanding talents in the UK Civil Service.

“She combines a deep knowledge of public policy issues across the British Isles with a sophisticated understanding of devolution. She is an inspiring individual who understands the importance of working in partnership with our communities, something that is central to the Trust’s approach to improving wellbeing.”

Holyrood’s managing director Mandy Rhodes said: “Sarah has been a source of great support to me personally and to Holyrood Communications in general in helping to inform the shape and direction of our policy events.

“She was instrumental in the launch of our Scottish Public Service Awards which we launched in 2014 alongside the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to celebrate all the amazing work done by those delivering public services in Scotland. I wish her well in her future role.”