James qualified as a Maths teacher in the 1990s and has worked in managing IT systems across multiple schools for the last 15 years. During the pandemic, James ran the EdTech Demonstrator programme for the Department for Education, supporting over 2,000 schools and colleges.

Since leaving his post as Director of IT at United Learning at the start of 2024, where James had been for 21 years, James has been supporting schools and trusts with their Digital Strategy.

James is a Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society and a Certified IT Security Manager. James is currently a Trustee of Sheffield Theatres and Chair of Trustees for the education charity Apps For Good.