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.
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