John Elvidge

John Elvidge was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Scottish Executive in July 2003 following an open competition.

He was educated at Oxford University (BA English) and joined The Scottish Office in 1973, working in most departments, with a particular emphasis on economic development, physical infrastructure and EU relations.

Mr Elvidge was seconded to Scottish Homes (1988-89) and the Cabinet Office (1998-99), where he worked on co-ordination of the UK Government's legislative programme and social policies.

He was Head of Education Department from May 1999 before being appointed Head of the Finance and Central Services Department in March 2002.

He is married and his interests include sport, the arts and food and wine.