Paul Smart

Paul is currently an independent consultant with a particular focus on Scotland’s College sector and its crucial role as an enabler of sustainable, inclusive economic development. At the time he left the Scottish Government at the end of 2018 he was a senior civil servant leading the College Policy, Young Workforce and SFC Sponsorship Division. Prior to this Paul helped deliver over £300m of CAP investment in Scottish farming, directed the programme for establishing Historic Environment Scotland, held several senior posts in the Justice Directorate of the Scottish Government promoting the rights and welfare of victims and witnesses, and latterly setting up the Scottish Tribunal Service. Paul also completed the Scottish Executive’s first anti-racism campaign and race equality scheme, was a senior press officer working for Ministers responsible for the environment and rural affairs, and was the first head of rail policy and strategy in post-devolution Scotland. Before joining the then Scottish Office in 1998 Paul held a number of posts with Scottish Homes, the national housing agency, after spending several years as an academic, finishing up as a lecturer in the Politics Department at Edinburgh University during which time he gained his PhD. Paul has a keen interest in the arts and heritage which he puts into practical effect as a board member of Arts and Business Scotland having previously been a trustee of the Scottish Civic Trust.