James Thomas
Board Director
James joined the Innovation Unit board at the start of 2019, bringing experience of local government and children’s services, as well as a keen interest in innovative service models that deliver better outcomes for people at the same time as reducing demand and dependence upon the state.
James is currently the Chief Executive of the Birmingham Children’s Trust, leading Children’s Social Care in the largest local authority in Europe and managing the challenges brought by the Council’s s114 notice. Previously he has been the Corporate Director for Children and Culture for Tower Hamlets, driving improvements across schools and children’s social care; Chief Executive of the formative Northamptonshire Children’s Trust as the alternative delivery model developed; Director of Children’s Services for Richmond-Upon-Thames delivered through community interest company Achieving for Children; Director of Children’s Services for Tameside Council, helping to drive their improvement plans as well as leading for Greater Manchester on safeguarding reform; Director of Children’s Services & Community Neighbourhoods for Newham, developing a clear practice model and securing major investment for innovation; and the Director of Family Services for Westminster and Tri-borough, leading the development of services to an outstanding Ofsted judgement.
James remains registered as a proud Social Worker and held a number of posts as a children’s practitioner and manager before moving into strategic leadership roles. James has long been an active member of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, and has for some years been their national lead on multi-agency safeguarding. He has enjoyed periods living overseas in both Nigeria and Italy.