The Public and Not for Profit sectors in Scotland provide employment to over 21% of the working population, with key sectors including; local and central government, healthcare, further and higher education, tourism, charities, housing and social enterprise. The NHS is Scotland’s largest employer, continuing to grow year-on-year.

The sector also contributes significantly to the Scottish, and wider UK economy, with further and higher education providers heralded globally, positioning Scotland as a centre for research and learning. Scotland’s universities deliver £7.1 billion of gross value to the local economy whilst internationally contributing £1.5 billion towards Scotland’s export total. Institutional research and the creation of start-up companies also provide benefits to the wider community and the private sector with a focus on innovation and the development of partnership agreements.

The Public Sector is focussed on providing first class services for less, driving for efficiencies and value for money. Partnerships and collaborative working are key approaches, with Public Sector professionals working across organisations and sectors both locally and internationally. There is an increased drive to generate revenue and move away from Government funding models in order to become more self-sufficient, which requires experienced and motivated finance professionals in order to achieve these objectives. The devolution of tax raising powers in Scotland and ongoing funding changes have also created a need for first class finance business partners who can add value and drive commerciality and effective financial management.