Careers fairs and events

Friday, 3 November, 13:00-14:00, Glasgow University Union

At this next event in our ‘Cabinet Office Conversations’ series, hear about the career journey of the most senior civil servant in Scotland, John-Paul ‘JP’ Marks, as he sits down with Director of the John Smith Centre, Kezia Dugdale.

Now Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, JP has held a range of roles across the Civil Service since joining in 2004.

As head of the civil service supporting the Scottish Government, JP is the principal policy adviser to the First Minister and Secretary to the Scottish Cabinet among other responsibilities.

We’ll delve into JP’s extensive career, discovering what his role involves, what types of problems he helps to solve and what you can do now to prepare for a challenging but rewarding career in the Civil Service.

JP Marks Bio

John-Paul Marks was appointed as Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government on 1 January 2022.

JP leads the Scottish Government Civil Service to deliver the full range of devolved powers and duties set out in the Scotland Acts. As the principal accountable officer for the Scottish Government, JP is personally responsible to the Scottish Parliament for the exercise of his responsibilities. This includes the management of the Scottish Government’s £49 billion budget and the economic, efficient and effective use of all related resources.

Leading more than 7,000 civil servants who work for the Scottish Government in Scotland, London and around the world, JP supports the development, implementation and communication of government policies. This work is undertaken in accordance with the Civil Service Code, upholding its four core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

He is committed to the delivery of the National Performance Framework—Scotland’s outcome-based approach to the implementation of policies aimed at improving the wellbeing and life chances of its citizens, supported by a successful, inclusive economy and a sustainable and healthy environment.

JP works with colleagues across the UK supporting, engaging and investing in the talent and leadership of the UK Civil Service and wider public services.

Married with two children, JP was born in the Channel Islands and lives in Scotland. JP is committed to building a world-class, values-led Civil Service which excels in serving the public.

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