Appointment process for senior Civil Servants: FOI release

Information requested

You asked:

"Is it possible to find out the procedure to select the top civil servant in Scotland!

Is he/she chosen by Westminster or is it under the complete gift of the Scottish Government?"

Response

All civil service appointments are governed by the Civil Service Commission (Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk) whose remit is to ensure that selections for appointment to the UK civil service are made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. In the case of the appointment of the Scottish Government Permanent Secretary, the process is run by the Cabinet Office, with close co-operation from the Scottish Government People Director. The First Minister is consulted throughout the process and makes the final selection decision from the appointable candidates.

About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.