The Scottish Government

About The Scottish Government

The Scottish Government was established in 1999, following the first elections to the new Scottish Parliament. At that point we were known as the Scottish Executive, but this changed in 2007 to our current title – the Scottish Government. We are led by a First Minister, who is nominated by the Parliament and who in turn appoints Scottish Ministers to the Cabinet. It is our aim to create a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through continuing sustainable economic growth. To measure our success, we have created a National Performance Framework – a website that shows all our strategic objectives, national outcomes and national indicators. Everything we do is centred around five main objectives – to make Scotland: Wealthier and Fairer - enabling businesses and people to increase their wealth and more people to share fairly in that wealth. Healthier – helping people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care. Safer and Stronger – helping local communities to flourish, becoming stronger, places to live, offering improved opportunities and a better quality of life. Smarter – expanding opportunities for Scots to succeed from nurture through to lifelong learning, ensuring higher and more widely shared achievements. Greener – improving Scotland's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it. Working for the Scottish Government With an annual budget of approximately £30 billion, the Scottish Government has responsibility for a wide range of issues that matter to people in Scotland – from Health, Education, Housing, Justice, Transport, Agriculture, Culture and the Economy, plus many more. We employ people from all walks of life, people with all sorts of skills, strengths and talents. Graduate Development Programme The Scottish Government’s Graduate Development Programme is a four-year career development scheme for high-calibre candidates who want to make a difference to the lives of the people in Scotland. The programme aims to attract bright, talented and motivated people to join the Scottish Government, so we can develop the future leaders at the centre of the public services that are so important to the people in Scotland. They also want to make sure its workforce represents the range of interests and diversity of modern Scotland. Fast Stream Fast Stream is a UK-wide civil service graduate recruitment scheme giving you the opportunity to learn leadership skills across civil service departments. Talent Management in the Civil Service The Senior Leaders Scheme and Future Leaders Scheme are high profile, cross government, accelerated two year development programmes. The Senior Leaders Scheme is aimed at Deputy Directors with the highest potential to progress to Director level and beyond while the Future Leaders Scheme is aimed at C Band staff who have the ambition and highest potential to progress to Senior Civil Servants. Readiness is a key consideration and it's expected applicants will be ready to step up to a more senior leadership role within three years. Apprenticeships Modern Apprenticeships with the Scottish Government are advertised on. Diversity & Inclusion The Scottish Government is committed to diversity and inclusion. The greatest asset to any business is its workforce. Diversity is about accepting and valuing the differences individuals bring to the workplace. Doing so makes good business sense and contributes towards realising potential and improving productivity. Remote working due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scottish Government business continues during the coronavirus outbreak. However, it is essential that we continue to show leadership, professionalism and solidarity with those who continue to attend work - particularly those delivering frontline services and keeping critical functions running - whilst ensuring that wherever possible, staff work remotely. Throughout this though, wellbeing, and staying well, remains an absolute priority.