The role of Chief Executive & Head of the Public Service is held by Boley Smillie. As the lead civil servant and most senior officer, he has overall responsibility for delivery, performance and quality across the public service, and for ensuring that decisions taken by elected representatives are translated into safe and reliable services that meet expected standards and earn public trust.
This responsibility includes providing leadership and direction to around 5,500 public servants working across a wide and complex range of services. It involves establishing clear standards for delivery, putting the right structures and controls in place, and ensuring staff have the support and capability needed to deliver effectively. Where services or programmes are not performing as they should, the Chief Executive is ultimately accountable for leading improvement and ensuring that change is delivered.
The Chief Executive works to support all States' committees, helping them to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Acting as the senior link between elected members and the public service, the Chief Executive ensures that committees are well supported in their work and that arrangements are in place to respond to decisions and priorities as they are set. In doing so, the Chief Executive helps promote joined‑up working across government and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
