About James

I've been an unconventional leader since I was a teenager. First with the scout movement, then the Territorial Army. After university I joined the UK civil service on a graduate management development programme. My career is now in its third decade and I've worked in Finance, HR, policy, strategy, IT, change, operations management and internal consultancy. Over the years I've mentored, coached and developed dozens of senior managers and hundreds of people.

Project Delivery Reading List

Continuing the theme of developing into a rounded project delivery professional I thought it might be useful to share some of the more useful things that I’ve read that have helped me to better understand how to successfully deliver change. Continue reading Project Delivery Reading List

Aren’t we all supposed to be Agile?

Government has been using Agile methods for digital projects for a few years now. This is part two of a very short series on learning about project delivery methodologies. Part 1 was a general overview of how to develop expertise Continue reading Aren’t we all supposed to be Agile?

What Project Methodology Should You Learn?

I quite often get asked which project methodology people should learn. The impression I get is that people are looking for either one best way, or the approved house methodology. You need to start learning somewhere, but there isn’t a Continue reading What Project Methodology Should You Learn?

Benefits Realisation & Benefits Owners

Every project needs to be supported by a robust business case showing the benefits. In central government we have a five case model for business cases set by the HM Treasury Green Book. Each case sets out the benefits that Continue reading Benefits Realisation & Benefits Owners

My Expectations of Leaders

view from the window at Civil Service Live 2016

Last week I ran an induction/introduction session for my new senior leadership team where I set out my expectations from them as leaders. I made some notes on the train up to the meeting, partly as a rehearsal and partly Continue reading My Expectations of Leaders