James is a Chartered Engineer with an extensive 24 years’ experience working within the fire sector. He has worked at a senior level within the UK Fire and Rescue Service as a Senior Fire Safety Inspector and team manager, a senior manager within the private sector where he managed fire safety and health and safety and latterly as a consultant fire safety engineer.

James studied at the University of Leeds where he graduated with a Masters degree in Fire and Explosion Engineering with Distinction; winning the awards for best fire safety design and presentation and best research project and presentation. Responsible for the fire engineering/building regulations team within West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, James delivered the Fire Authority’s responsibilities under the building regulations approval process. He has significant experience working on design projects as a regulator and as a consultant fire safety engineer designing buildings to code-compliant and fire engineered designs.

During his service with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, James was the Lead Fire Authority Prosecutions Officer. As a technical lead and witness he oversaw the accurate investigation, preparation, completion of cases and court proceedings relating to offences committed under Fire and Health and Safety Legislation. James has acted as an expert witness/technical lead on risk mitigation and dispute resolution.

James has delivered fire protection competency based training to Fire Protection Inspectors and Operational Fire Safety Inspecting Officers. He has presented nationally at Fire and Rescue Services, fire seminars, IFE branches and the National Fire Chiefs Council.