James Theard has spent more than 25 years developing a broad professional background across education, counselling, adult learning, mental health support, charitable organisations and information technology.
His career initially developed through technology, training and education. James held positions in software training and technical support before teaching Computing and ICT at Yale College, where he designed and delivered academic and vocational courses for young people, adults and learners with disabilities. He later expanded his educational work through adult and community learning, delivering literacy, numeracy, employment and life skills through Shropshire County Council and Voluntary Action Vale Royal.
During his time with Voluntary Action Vale Royal, James was rated "outstanding" by an Ofsted inspector, while learners on his courses regularly achieved a 100% pass rate. His subsequent educational experience has included Life Skills, Functional Skills, GCSE and A-Level tuition across Maths, English and Sciences, alongside diagnostic assessment, course planning and portfolio assessment.
Counselling and mental health support became another substantial strand of James's professional life. Following formal counselling training, he developed extensive practical experience informed principally by Rogerian person-centred therapy and existential psychotherapy. His work has included supporting individuals experiencing bereavement, personal trauma and other significant life challenges.
James has also contributed to a number of charitable and mental health organisations, including Chester & District MIND, Wrexham MIND, the Alzheimer's Society and PAPYRUS. His work in this sector has encompassed counselling, research, fundraising and data analysis. He also provided voluntary bereavement counselling through Hope House Children's Hospice.
Alongside his professional experience, James has a broad academic and training background. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with Psychology and a Master of Urban Planning from New York University. His additional training spans counselling, teaching and assessment, safeguarding, Cisco networking and Microsoft technologies.
Although the settings and disciplines have varied throughout his career, communication and personal development have remained consistent themes. James's experience across technology, education, counselling and charitable work has given him a broad perspective shaped by analytical thinking, empathy, adaptability and an interest in helping people learn and develop.
