Philip Whyte

Director of IPPR Scotland

Philip is the director of IPPR Scotland.

Philip holds significant experience across government and the third sector, holding particular expertise across social security, social justice, and education and skills. In addition to directing IPPR Scotland, he is a part of IPPR’s senior management team where he contributes his expertise and experience to IPPR’s overall strategy and research agenda across the UK.

Philip began his career in the third sector with the National Union of Students, leading policy and public affairs work in Scotland, delivering significant policy and influencing success across a range of areas.

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 leading the development of the annual Programme for Government.

Originally from Bangor in Northern Ireland, Philip moved to Scotland in 2004 to study at the University of Strathclyde.

More from this author:

  1. Budget to test Scottish government’s progressive credentials

    With the UK government confirming real-terms spending cuts – all to fund tax cuts disproportionately benefiting the richest households – all departments face the risk of a return to austerity.

  2. State of the fair work nation

    Without decent pay, secure work, or reliable hours, and without opportunities to progress in work, financial security will be difficult if not impossible to achieve for many.

  3. Scrap the cap: If not us, who?