Joe Griffin has been appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and will take up the post in April 2025.
Griffin is currently Director General Strategy and External Affairs and has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021.
This appointment has been made formally by the UK Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald on the agreement of Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, and the recommendation of the First Civil Service Commissioner.
Earlier in his career, Griffin was a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which included postings to New York and Paris.
Griffin will succeed John-Paul Marks, who will take up the role of First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Marks became permanent secretary to the Scottish Government in January, 2022, succeeding the highly controversial Leslie Evans.
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.
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.”
UK Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said: “I would like to congratulate Joe on his appointment. He brings extensive experience from his roles at Scottish Government, including as Director General for Strategy and External Affairs and previously Director General for Education and Justice. Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to Ministers.
“I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.”
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.”