James joined the NHS via the national Management Training Scheme in 2004. After roles in acute hospitals, commissioning and management consultancy, he was director of commissioning of Surrey Downs CCG from 2014 to 2017, and managing director of Merton and Wandsworth CCGs from 2017 to 2020.
James was seconded to work across Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as collaboration programme director from September 2020, leading to the agreement of the new hospital group by both boards in June 2021.
Through his CCG roles in Surrey and Merton, James has had longstanding involvement with plans to redevelop the acute estate at Epsom and St Helier, and also recently led the engagement and decision-making process for an integrated renal service between the two St George’s and Epsom and St Helier trusts.
On 1 July 2022, James added his role of executive lead and board member for Sutton place. James is an Epsom resident.