The current director general of learning and justice, Leslie Evans, has been appointed Scotland’s top civil servant.
Evans will replace Sir Peter Housden as permanent secretary on July 1 after an open competition on merit. She joined the Scottish government in 2000 after a career in local government in England and Scotland.
“It is a privilege for me to undertake this role, following Sir Peter, who is leaving the organisation in such good heart. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with my civil service colleagues, our partners in the public, third and private sectors, and the UK government, to meet the challenges and realise the opportunities that lie ahead for Scotland,” she said.
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Welcoming the new appointment, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said Evans would bring “vast experience” to the job. “I look forward to working with Leslie in her new role as Scotland’s most senior civil servant, to deliver outstanding public services and the very best for the people of Scotland,” she said.
Housden has been the permanent secretary for five years, and announced his intention to leave the Scottish government in January this year. “Leslie Evans is an outstanding public servant whose leadership, experience and impact on Scotland and the UK is widely recognised,” he said.