Matthew Coats

Biography

As Director General for EU Exit Implementation, Matthew reports jointly into Cabinet Office and DExEU.

Prior to this role, Matthew was the Chief Operating Officer for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), leading departmental strategy and transformation. Matthew joined the MoJ in 2012 as Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission, where he led the transition to the Legal Aid Agency. He was also the MoJ Social Mobility Champion.

Prior to joining the MoJ Matthew was Head of UK Border Force. His other roles included: Head of Immigration at the UK Border Agency; Strategic Director for Asylum at the Home Office; and Head of Secondary Care at the Department of Health – where he was policy lead for emergency care, elective care and diagnostics. He also spent 12 years in the NHS as a hospital manager.

Previous roles in government

  • Director General EU Exit Implementation
  • Ministry of Justice, Chief Operating Officer
  • Chief Executive
  • Director General of the Legal Aid Agency & Corporate Services Group