James is Head of Human Resources and Development at the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. He joined the authority in January 2002 from the London Borough of Lambeth where he undertook a similar role.
In addition to his role in London James is also an LGA adviser to the National
Employers and also LGA Pensions Adviser on the firefighter pensions committee.

Before entering local government James was a national trade union official with the AEEU which is now part of UNITE.