Joint-Head of the Government Finance Function and Chief Operating Officer and Director General of COO Group

James McEwen

Biography

James McEwen joined the Ministry of Justice in 2016. He has held a number of roles over that time including Deputy Chief Executive, Legal Aid Agency; and Group Finance Director. James is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Ministry, providing leadership across the department’s professional functions as well as oversight of a number of the department’s Executive Agencies and Arm’s Length Bodies. Since April 2024 James has jointly led the Government Finance Function.

Prior to joining the Ministry of Justice James built extensive experience working in the then Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

James began his Civil Service career in 2002 at the Department for Work and Pensions where he worked in a number of roles across policy, strategy and finance functions.

Joint-Head of the Government Finance Function

The Joint-Head of the Government Finance Function (GFF) co-leads and develops the community of finance professionals across government, to help to maintain the highest standards of financial management and ensures that public money is spent efficiently and effectively.

Key responsibilities include:

  1. Setting and delivering a GFF strategy for the development of the Government Finance Function.
  2. Overseeing the professional development and performance of the GFF, including the Government Finance Academy curriculum and the annual continuing professional development plan.
  3. Supporting departments’ talent management, succession planning and recruitment for the most senior financially qualified roles in government.

The Joint-Head of the GFF is accountable to Parliamentary Select Committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, for the continuing improvement of financial management standards, skills and expertise in government.

Government Finance Function

Chief Operating Officer and Director General of COO Group

James leads the COO Group at MOJ, supporting the Department in delivering its priorities.

The COO Group includes:

  • Commercial & Contract Management
  • Finance
  • People Function
  • Project Delivery
  • Property
  • Security and Information Services

Ministry of Justice