James Barrett
Consultant

James has some 15 years consultancy experience, both in-houseand as an external provider. He works with organisational leaders to provide a dynamic space wherein they can develop change strategies that align professional experience, core values and organisational vision. His key areas of expertise are action learning facilitation, assessments and reviews.

“I pride myself on being able to work across sectors and hierarchies, supporting strategic partnerships, and connecting with people whether they are chief executives, medical directors, or frontline community volunteers.”

His method draws on organisational theory, strategic planning, action research, and a range of ‘soft skills’ dealing with relationships, temperament, personal development and diversity management to create practical strategies that support sustainable organisational change.

He is one of the Leadership Centre’s small team of world-class, action-learning facilitators for PCT executives. In this role he has tackled a range of contemporary challenges such as PEC Chairs’ leadership, demand management, converged healthcare governance, and partnerships in the context of foundation status.

James has conducted assessments into learning and development needs for Islington Strategic Partnership; a cross-agency role working with elected councillors, chief executives (including PCT), and leaders from business, the community and voluntary sector organisations.

He has also undertaken extensive work for SL&M NHS Trust in reviewing appraisal schemes for medical consultants, nurse practice development, and the devolution of the Maudsley Hospital’s psychotherapy services.

Prior to becoming and external consultant, James spent 12 years working in the HIV/AIDS sector. This kindled an interest in organisational change: initially because HIV shook up generic services and latterly because HIV services piloted generic NHS & social care reforms.

He chaired the National Association of HIV/AIDS Workers, and held internal consultant roles as a senior corporate strategist in local government, and as chief executive of research and development agency, The HIV Project. Under James’ leadership, this agency not only had a profound influence on national policy, it was also the first NHS service to transfer to charitable status.

He is a Charted Member of the CIPD, a National Council of Voluntary Organisations approved consultant, and qualified by Oxford Psychologists Press to use the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. His academic qualifications include: an MSc Human Resources (consulting), an MA Cultural Studies, and an MA Visual Art.