Press Story

Philip Whyte has been appointed director of Scotland’s progressive think tank, IPPR Scotland.

Philip brings to the role significant experience across government and the third sector, with particular expertise in social security, social justice, and education and skills. He joins IPPR Scotland from the civil service, where he worked in a number of posts across the Scottish Government, including communications, social security, and - most recently - leading the development of the annual Programme for Government.

Established in 2015, IPPR Scotland has grown to become one of the leading policy organisations in Scotland. It has successfully worked to deliver impactful research and progressive policy solutions across various policy areas including Scotland’s devolved tax and benefit powers, Scotland’s budget, building an inclusive economy, skills and education, and poverty and inequalities - shaping Scotland’s political agenda with a progressive lens.

Executive director of IPPR, Carys Roberts said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Philip to IPPR as Director of IPPR Scotland. He will bring his formidable insight into Scottish government and policymaking to lead IPPR Scotland in its next phase.

“In its first six years, IPPR Scotland has grown to be a leading voice on progressive policy in Scotland, working across political divides and with our partners to develop and secure support for bold ideas that will improve people’s lives now and in the future - from doubling the Scottish Child Payment to committing to a minimum income guarantee approach. I have every confidence that Philip’s expertise in policy development, research and government decision-making will enable IPPR Scotland to continue to fulfil this key role.”

Director of IPPR Scotland, Philip Whyte said:

"I am delighted to be joining IPPR Scotland, leading one of Scotland's few cross-party and progressive think tanks at such an important time.

“While the pandemic has had an impact on all of Scotland’s people, communities and sectors, the consequences have not been felt equally. IPPR Scotland is at the forefront of working across all political parties to secure an ambitious policy programme, underpinned by robust evidence, for a more equal, inclusive and socially just future.

“The opportunities for progressive change in front of us are immense – reshaping social security and fair work to tackle poverty, transforming our economy to deliver genuinely inclusive growth across all of Scotland, and securing a just transition to net-zero which leaves no community behind. I look forward to strengthening IPPR Scotland as a leading voice in those debates, putting forward ambitious solutions, and working across the Scottish Parliament and civil society to see them delivered."

ENDS

Contact:

Anita Bhadani, Media and Impact Assistant, (0141) 406-9987 anita.bhadani@ippr.org

Rosie Lockwood, Head of Media and Advocacy at IPPR Scotland, on 07585772633 or r.lockwood@ippr.org