James Norris is Head of Skills and Employability at Walsall Council, leading the strategic development of skills, employment and workforce initiatives across the borough. With over 17 years’ experience in further education and public service, he previously spent 14 years at Walsall College as Assistant Principal, overseeing adult skills, apprenticeships, community learning and employer engagement. James chairs the Walsall Employment and Skills Board and serves as a Board Director for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP). He also represents Walsall Council on regional skills groups and brings valuable commercial experience from senior industry leadership and business ownership