Permanent_Secretary_to_the_Scottish_Government
The Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government (Scottish Gaelic: Rùnaire Maireannach Riaghaltas na h-Alba) is the most senior civil servant in Scotland who leads more than 7,000 staff within the Scottish Government and has oversight of around 125 agencies.[2]
The permanent secretary supports the Scottish Government in developing, implementing and communicating its policy agenda. The permanent secretary is the chief official policy adviser to the First Minister of Scotland and acts as secretary during cabinet meetings.[3]
The office holder is additionally responsible for ensuring that the government's money and resources are used effectively and properly. The role is currently occupied by John-Paul Marks, who was appointed in January 2022 by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, with the agreement of the Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case.[4]