Their specific responsibilities are as follows: Name Role Appointed Geoff Aberdein Chief of Staff Responsible for the First Minister's strategic programme in Government First Minister’s senior intermediary with key internal & external stakeholders Coordination of the Special Adviser team Policy support on Commonwealth Games & Sport portfolio 26 May 2011 Stuart Nicolson Head of Communications Senior Political Spokesperson 26 May 2011 Liz Lloyd Deputy Head of Communications & Political Spokesperson Lead on online and new media 30 January 2012 Alexander Anderson Deputy Head of Communications & Political Spokesperson 8 October 2012 Malcolm Fleming Support to the First Minister’s Private Office Contributing to FM’s keynote speeches and new media Policy advice on International Development portfolio 25 July 2011 John MacInnes Lead on political research Support for First Minister’s Questions Support to the Communications Special Advisers 3 June 2011 Noel Dolan Senior Special Adviser to the Deputy First Minister Support on Government Strategy & Constitution Policy advice on Infrastructure & Investment portfolio 26 May 2011 Alex Bell Head of Policy Development including Constitution Policy advice on Culture & External Affairs portfolio 26 May 2011 Colin McAllister Deputy Head of Policy Development Education & Lifelong Learning portfolio overview Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfolio overview 3 October 2012 Stephen Gethins Policy advice on Energy, Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolios Support on EU relations 26 May 2011 David Hutchison Policy advice on the Health & Wellbeing portfolio Lead on FOI legislation 8 June 2011 John McFarlane Policy advice on Justice portfolio Policy advice on Parliamentary Business portfolio, including engaging with Parliamentary Liaison...