Tell us about your career – what was your first job, and what shaped your career path?
I began my career at British Telecommunications as an apprentice technician at 16. The three-year apprenticeship gave me hands-on technical experience and helped me understand the foundational workings of a large and complex organisation. I was fortunate to receive BT full sponsorship for a BSc in electronic engineering, combining academic knowledge with practical application.
The turning point in my career came when I moved into sales and business leadership. I discovered a passion for building and scaling businesses, from launching startups to leading successful exits. Over the years, I’ve taken companies public, raised significant investment capital both privately and from venture firms, and driven business turnarounds.
I would say that three core factors have shaped my career: curiosity, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a willingness to take risks. I’ve always been drawn to emerging technologies and their potential to disrupt industries, from telecoms and fintech to digital healthcare. My entrepreneurial mindset has driven me to found startups, lead IPOs, and advise on high-value investments. Lastly, my willingness to take risks has enabled me to enter new industries, face challenges, and make bold decisions that have often led to successful outcomes.
What made you want to be a civil service commissioner, and what do you enjoy about the role?
After decades in the private sector, particularly in high-growth technology and investment environments, I was drawn to the Civil Service Commission by a strong belief in meritocracy, fairness, and good governance. Having built companies and led investment funds, I have seen first hand how the right leadership can transform organisations. The civil service plays a vital role in shaping national policies and services, and ensuring senior appointments are made on merit is fundamental to maintaining public trust.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the ability to make a tangible impact on public service leadership. As a commissioner, I chair senior recruitment competitions for influential government roles such as director generals and CEOs. These positions are not just jobs: they are positions that shape the future of the country. The ability to ensure they are filled fairly, transparently, and without bias is both a challenge and a privilege.
I enjoy the broader aspect of the role, advising government departments on strengthening civil service values. Upholding impartiality, objectivity, honesty, and integrity is vital for the civil service’s effectiveness, and I take great pride in reinforcing these principles.
Does your entrepreneurial mindset influence your approach as a commissioner?
Without a doubt. Entrepreneurs thrive on efficiency, problem-solving, and innovation qualities that are essential in leadership and regulatory roles. My background gives me a unique perspective on recruitment and governance. I’m always looking for ways to streamline processes, improve decision making and ensure recruitment is not just fair but also forward-thinking.
In business, success depends on having the right people in the right roles. The same principle applies to civil service recruitment. My entrepreneurial approach means I focus not just on filling roles but on ensuring departments are hiring individuals who bring fresh thinking, leadership, and adaptability –qualities that are crucial in our rapidly changing world.
An entrepreneurial mindset also means being pragmatic. The civil service operates under a necessary framework, but that doesn’t mean processes can’t be improved. I approach my commissioner role with the same strategic thinking I use in business: understanding challenges, identifying solutions, and ensuring decisions lead to the best long-term outcomes.
What are the biggest challenges in Senior Civil Service recruitment today, and what frustrates you?
One of the biggest challenges is attracting and retaining top-tier talent, especially from outside the public sector. The civil service offers incredible opportunities to make a real difference, but it competes with the private sector, where salaries and benefits can be more attractive. This is particularly true in areas like digital transformation, technology, and data-driven decision-making, where corporations can offer higher compensation and faster career progression.
Another challenge is diversity – both in representation and experience. Government departments need leaders who bring fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo and drive innovation. Ensuring recruitment processes encourage broad applicant pools and create pathways for individuals from different industries and backgrounds is crucial.
What frustrates me most is the length of time it takes to make key appointments. In the private sector, senior hiring decisions are made quickly to maintain agility. While the civil service’s structured process is essential for fairness, it can sometimes slow down decisions to the point where departments lose strong candidates to other opportunities.
How do you manage your different roles effectively?
It comes down to time management, clear priorities, and surrounding myself with the right people. I believe in setting a clear vision and empowering others to take ownership of their responsibilities. Whether chairing investment committees, advising startups, or overseeing civil service recruitment, I focus on areas where I can add the most value.
I also rely on structured decision-making – every role has a specific purpose, whether it’s driving investment growth, ensuring good governance, or improving recruitment processes. Staying outcome-focused allows me to manage multiple commitments without spreading myself too thin.
Balance is key. My schedule is often demanding, but I make time to step back, reflect, and recharge. This prevents burnout and means I can approach each role with renewed energy and perspective.
What would you say to someone considering a role in the Senior Civil Service?
If you’re passionate about making a difference and shaping policies that impact millions, the civil service offers an incredibly rewarding career. Success here isn’t measured by financial outcomes but by creating long-term, meaningful change.
However, it’s important to understand the challenges. The pace of change can be slower than in the private sector due to essential regulations and governance frameworks, and decision-making often requires balancing political, economic, and social factors.
That said, if you value integrity, public service, and strategic problem-solving, it can be an incredibly rewarding path. There are strong long-term career prospects and, often overlooked, one of the most generous pension schemes I’ve ever encountered.
What’s the value of the Civil Service Commission’s regulatory role, in your own words?
The commission plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of government recruitment. At its core, we ensure that appointments are made on merit through a fair and open process. This is vital because the civil service delivers policies and services that impact every aspect of society – from healthcare and education to national security and economic policy.
Beyond recruitment, the commission serves as a safeguard against bias and undue influence by hearing appeals under the civil service code. We ensure that the civil service remains impartial and that appointments are based on skills and suitability, not personal connections or political affiliations. This is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring government operates effectively.
Finally, how do you like to spend your spare time?
I have a strong interest in investing, from stocks and shares ISAs to early-stage companies. I enjoy analysing markets and staying ahead of trends – it’s both intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
I also enjoy hands-on projects and DIY. There is something deeply satisfying about building things – whether it’s a business, an investment portfolio, or fixing up a property, it brings me a lot of satisfaction.
I love following Formula 1, analysing team strategies, and seeing how technology evolves in the sport. Lastly, I enjoy playing golf, which is a fantastic way to relax and challenge myself. It requires patience, focus, and strategy – qualities that translate well into business and leadership.
Atul Devani will be taking part in a free "Meet the Commissioners" online event on recruitment into the Senior Civil Service on 18 March