16 January 2004
The Scottish Executive has recruited a senior business figure to advise it on improving public services.
Nick Parker, a former senior partner with consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers, is to head the Executive's performance and innovation unit (PIU), in line with First Minister Jack McConnell's plans to modernise the civil service and bring in more talent from private industry.
A spokesman for the Executive said Parker would play a key role in the drive to modernise government in Scotland and improve services across the public sector. 'His appointment fulfils Jack McConnell's pledge that a senior business figure should head the unit,' the spokesman said.
Parker, 56, retired from PwC in April 2003. He led his firm's corporate finance privatisation advisory work in Europe.
The Executive said Parker had substantial experience in dealing with government ministers and senior corporate executives in policy and strategy development and implementation.
Parker has been recruited within the rules that allow the appointment of expert advisers as temporary civil servants. He will work for one-and-a-half days per week for a year, 'subject to review in the light of experience'.
The PIU will identify ways to improve services and secure efficiencies across the public sector.
Working in the office of John Elvidge, the permanent secretary, Parker will bring together small, short-term teams from the public and private sectors to examine and report on key issues agreed by the first minister and deputy first minister.
Parker said: 'I have no preconceptions and relish the challenge, particularly since I will be beginning work at the start of the 2004 Spending Review.'
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