The department sponsors one non-departmental public body, the Boundary Commission for Scotland.

Donald Dewar, who held the office from 1997–99, resigned to become the inaugural First Minister of Scotland following devolution on 17 May 1999.

When Douglas Alexander took on the role in 2006 he also held the additional Transport office.

Jim Murphy was appointed to the office in 2008, which remained his only government position until the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition gained power in 2010.

The position was then held by Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament until the Conservative government came into office following the 2015 general election.

Dover House in Whitehall has been used as the London base of the office and its predecessors since 1885.