Centre for Public Policy appoints John-Paul Marks as Honorary Professor
Published: 26 August 2026
The Centre for Public Policy has appointed John-Paul Marks CB, Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HMRC, and former Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, as Honorary Professor.
The University of Glasgow’s Centre for Public Policy has appointed John-Paul (JP) Marks CB, Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HMRC, and former Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, as Honorary Professor.
He joins a growing team of public service leaders working with the Centre for Public Policy team to deliver on its mission to connect evidence to practice.
He will support the development and delivery of the Centre’s growing portfolio of Executive Education programmes and contribute to the team’s work on public service leadership and public service reform.
Professor Nicola McEwen, Centre for Public Policy Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome John-Paul Marks to the Centre for Public Policy as an Honorary Professor. His experience working at the highest level of the civil service will be invaluable to the Centre’s work and our commitment to building collaboration and connection between policymakers and researchers here at the University of Glasgow. We look forward to working with and learning from him.”
John-Paul Marks said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Honorary Professor at the Centre for Public Policy. Having spent more than two decades in public service, I have seen first-hand the value of connecting research, policy and practice to tackle complex challenges and improve outcomes. The Centre for Public Policy is at the forefront of this commitment to collaboration, developing solutions and building the skills needed for the future. I look forward to supporting the University’s important work.”
The appointment marks an important addition to the Centre’s growing community of expert advisors and contributors.
JP Marks became Chief Executive and Permanent Secretary of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on 6 April 2025. He is the UK Government’s most senior civil servant based in Scotland.
Previously, he was Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government from January 2022, where he was responsible for the development, implementation and communication of government policies; and Principal Accountable Officer, leading the Civil Service in the Scottish Government.
JP Marks was appointed Director General, Work and Health Services at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in April 2019. Before this, he was a Director General for Operations on temporary promotion from March 2018.
First published: 26 August 2026