Megan Lee-Devlin

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2024.

Megan Lee-Devlin is Director General at the Ministry of Justice. She is responsible for leading digital and technology for the ministry and its agencies, as well as overseeing the Legal Aid Agency, Office of the Public Guardian, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and Justice Digital. She was formerly Chief Executive at the Central Digital & Data Office and a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.

How did you get into IT?

I realised early on that technology allows you to do things that otherwise are impossible and that really appealed to me, as did the fact that tech is constantly evolving and you have to stay on your toes to keep up.

What do you consider your greatest IT achievement of the last 12 months?

I am torn between examples of of fixing the basics, which is hard but rewarding, and leaning in to new developments that can help us achieve a step change in performance. I'd have to say some of the AI pilots we are working on - it has been incredibly satisfying to see colleagues excited about their potential and seeing the real-world impact on users.

How do you ensure diversity is taken into account in your IT recruitment?

The Civil Service works hard to reflect the public we serve. I am particularly interested in ensuring women pursue careers in tech and so ensure that consideration of gender diversity is front and centre in our attraction and recruitment efforts.

Which technology are you currently most excited by, and why?

AI solutions that can help reduce the time that frontline staff spend on admin, freeing them up to focus their time and energy on supporting the public to access the services they need.

What would an outsider find the most surprising part of your job?

There are misconceptions about working in the Civil Service. It has its challenges, but it is infinitely rewarding as well.

What's your secret talent?

I love to garden.

What makes you laugh?

My team.