Leading the Scottish Civil Service at a time of change - A keynote speech by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government

As Scotland prepares to vote on 5 May 2016 in the fifth election to the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish political landscape is in the middle of a period of significant change.

Following the Scottish independence referendum of September 2014, cross-party agreement was swiftly reached on the devolution of significant further tax, welfare and other powers to Edinburgh. The legislation to implement this deal, known as the Smith Agreement, is currently making its way through the UK Parliament.

Negotiations have also been under way for some time about a new fiscal framework between the UK and Scottish governments, alongside talks on how to refresh the broader relationship between Westminster and Holyrood, as well as the other devolved governments.

The Scottish Government faces a set of significant challenges in this context of change. It must prepare to implement effectively the new package of powers. It must build new systems and capacity for policy functions, such as welfare, and agree on joint working arrangements with Whitehall in some areas. It must also refresh its distinctive strategic outcomes-based approach to government to take into account these changes.

On 24 February, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, since July 2015. Ms Evans has responsibility for more than 5,000 civil servants, and delivered a keynote speech to speak about these issues and her role in leading the Scottish Civil Service at this time of change.

The speech was followed by a conversation with Peter Riddell, Director of the Institute for Government, as well as questions from the audience. 

Read our analysis of this event – The paradox of Scottish devolution